2012-05-30 WikiLeaks News Update: Supreme Court split, orders extradition of Assange, then re-opens case




WikiLeaks has been financially blockaded without process for 543 days.
Julian Assange has been detained without charge for 540 days.
Bradley Manning has been imprisoned without trial for 737 days.
A secret Grand Jury has been active in the U.S. without transparency for 623 days.


WikiLeaks News:

  • Rap News has released a new episode which focuses on WikiLeaks, Julian Assange's extradition case, and Bradley Manning's court martial. WikiLeaks spokesman Kristinn Hrafnsson appears as a special guest. Watch the episode below.
  • WikiLeaks faced DDoS attacks early Tuesday morning, beginning at 3AM GMT. They have since installed more capacity.
  • U.S. authorities have detained and interrogated multiple European citizens in relation to WikiLeaks and Julian Assange. Jérémie Zimmermann was stopped by self-identified FBI agents shortly after being interviewed for "The World Tomorrow." Smari McCarthy was detained at a U.S. airport and followed by U.S. officials, who asked that he become an informer.
  • Between the NDAA lawsuit and the Bradley Manning case, the U.S. Government can't seem to decide whether WikiLeaks' actions amounted to aiding Al-Qaeda or not.


Julian Assange News:

  • Today the UK Supreme Court handed down the verdict in Julian Assange's case, ruling 5-2 in favor of his extradition. Dinah Rose QC, of Mr Assange's legal team, asked for a 14-day period to enter a submission based on the ruling having been on a point not discussed during the February hearing. The court accepted her request, and Julian Assange's extradition is stayed until then, despite MSM reporting his imminent extradition. This is nearly unprecedented and gives the potential for the case to be reopened at a later date.

    For more information on the ruling see the full judgment and the Supreme Court's further statement. Fair Trials International has also issued a statement on the ruling.

  • Geoffrey Robertson QC was on ABC 7.30 discussing the verdict of Julian Assange's extradition case. Watch the interview below.
  • Glenn Greenwald was on Democracy Now! discussing the verdict of Julian Assange's extradition case. Watch the interview below.
  • John Pilger was interviewed by Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter about the ruling in Julian Assange's extradition case. He discusses the importance of the case, how Mr Assange's human rights have been breached, and the risks if he is extradited.
  • ABC's The Drum held a special live-coverage of Julian Assange's extradition verdict being handed down. Panelists on the show were Andrew Fowler, Kara Greiner, and Peter Hartcher. WikiLeaks legal adviser Jennifer Robinson was also interviewed, as well as Greens Senator Scott Ludlam. Watch the full segment below.
  • Australian diplomatic cables reveal that Julian Assange remains the target of a U.S. criminal investigation and the focus of intelligence exchanges between the U.S. and Australia. Greens Senator Scott Ludlam approached Foreign Minister Bob Carr regarding these newly released documents.
  • Episode 7 of "The World Tomorrow" aired, featuring a panel of five members of the London and New York Occupy momements: David Graeber, Marissa Holmes, Alexa O'Brien, Naomi Colvin, and Aaron Peters. Watch the full episode at RT's website.


Bradley Manning News:

  • Bradley Manning's defense team has filed a motion that details delays and inconsistencies in the Army's handling of the case, saying they have failed to disclose key evidence that could help Manning's defense.
  • Bradley Manning's aunt gave an interview with The Guardian in which she discusses Bradley's life in jail, saying he seems to be in good spirits and optimistic about his case.



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Upcoming Dates & Events:

May 30-31: Worldwide rallies in support of Julian Assange.

June 6-8: Bradley Manning motion hearings.

July 16-20: Bradley Manning motion hearings.

August 27-31: Bradley Manning motion hearings.

September 19-20: Bradley Manning motion hearings.

September 21-October 12: Bradley Manning's court martial.