2011-12-06 #WikiLeaks News: Updates on Julian Assange’s extradition appeal; Other News
This is a "WikiLeaks News Update", a news update of stories relating directly to WikiLeaks and also freedom of information, transparency, cybersecurity, and freedom of expression.
During a Parliamentary debate that occurred on the same day as Julian Assange’s extradition hearing, December 5, MPs agreed without vote to demand urgent reform of the European Arrest Warrant regime and UK’s extradition treaty with the US.
It was decided on that day, Julian Assange could request a Supreme Court appeal hearing to the Supreme Court itself, given that his extradition appeal is of general public importance. Julian Assange declared he was pleased with the decision. His brief statement outside the Royal Courts of Justice:
"Today the High Court has decided that an issue that arises from my own case is of general public importance and may be of assistance to other cases and should be heard by the Supreme Court. I think that is the correct decision and I am thankful. The long struggle for justice for me, and others, continues."
His extradition appeal was mentioned during the Parliamentary debate by MP Jeremy Corbyn who stated the judges’ decision meant “any person can be extradited from the UK without charge under EAWs.” (A transcript of this debate can read here.)
Extradition procedures have been highly contested for not offering appropriate safeguards to citizens extradited from the UK, namely during the November 24 debate. Points discussed during this debate relating to Julian Assange’s extradition can be read in WikiLeaks News 2011-11-25.
Tomorrow, December 7, Julian Assange will have spent an entire under house arrest, fighting extradition to Sweden. He has not been charged with a crime in any country. During an extradition appeal hearing on the 12th July, one of the judges on his case inquired: “why go through all of this if Mr. Assange offered to be interviewed?”
Extradition of Julian Assange to Sweden would facilitate subsequent extradition the United States.
- Wall Street Journal published an article on WikiLeaks current and former associates’ Jacob Appelbaum, Birgitta Jonsdottir and Rop Gonggrijp’s appeal of court ruling demanding disclosure of their personal data by Twitter.
- 5th segment of Julian Assange’s critical analysis of WikiLeaks’ collaboration with the New York Times:
Others parts are listed in the NYTimes eXaminer website.
- The Constitutionally deplorable intentions of the United States regarding Julian Assange and WikiLeaks really is worth reading (despite the mistake on its title).
- An Australian telemovie based on the book ‘Underground’ by Dr Suelette Dreyfus and Julian Assange will be directed by Robert Conolly.
- 4 days before Human Rights Day: a video of a peaceful Occupy Melbourne protester forced to strip to her underwear by Police and Council Rangers emerges. The young woman, who was wearing a tent costume, was left crying on the ground. She is said to be extremely distressed after the episode and has now filed a physical assault complaint.
Action Campaigns
WikiLeaks
364 days of unlawful financial blockade.
- If you live in Australia: click here to complain to the ACCC (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission) about the Banking Blockade against WikiLeaks.
Julian Assange
364 days under house arrest without charge.
- Contribute to the Julian Assange Defense Fund.
- Send at least one of the several call to action draft letters addressed to European organizations and Members of the European Parliament requesting action over the unjust treatment of Julian Assange.
Bradley Manning
559 days detained without trial.
- A challenge proposed by the Bradley Manning Support Network: Stand with Bradley until his trial is over - pledge a monthly donation for the length of the trial. For more details see bradleymanning.org
- Learn how you can attend the Rally, Vigil and March for Bradley Manning scheduled on the first day of his pretrial hearing, December 16 at bradleymanning.org
- And on his 24th birthday, December 17:
write or send small gifts to Bradley Manning, contribute to his defense with a donation or participate in the Global Vigil planned to mark this occasion.
Rudolf Elmer
- Liberté Info started a campaign to make whistleblower Rudolf Elmer’s trial an international issue. The campaign page is constantly updated with new developments on his case. Readers are encouraged to share.
WikiLeaks Events in the month of December (updated)
Click to enlarge.
December 1: WikiLeaks hosted an important press conference in Central London, where cooperation between Mass Surveillance Industry and Governments was exposed.
December 3: Julian Assange spoke on the topic “Democracy and Wikileaks: The Trickledown Effect” at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.
December 5: Public hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice (London) to determine whether Julian Assange’s appeal will proceed to the Supreme Court. A Demo planned outside the Courts, starting at 9AM.
Brisbane: Vigil outside the Department of Foreign Affairs, from 11 AM-1:30 PM.
December 6: Only if Julian Assange’s extradition appeal is denied, protests are planned in Sydney and Melbourne (US Consulate, 5:30 PM).
December 7: Julian Assange will have spent a year under house arrest without charge.
December 8: Kristinn Hrafnsson and founder of the Center for Investigative Journalism Gavin MacFadyen will host a WikiLeaks related panel in Bratislava.
December 16: A pretrial hearing for Bradley Manning is scheduled to begin at Fort Meade (Maryland) and is expected to last five days. Supporters will gather outside the Court.
December 17: Global Vigil for Bradley Manning on his 24th Birthday:
Saturday, December 17 · 12:00am - 11:30pm
[For more details, see Vigil for Bradley Manning on his 24th Birthday's facebook page.]
Send small gifts and birthday cards to the following address
Bradley Manning 89289
830 Sabalu Road
Fort Leavenworth, KS 6602
December 17: Anonymous’ OpHorizon.