WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will appear in a British court today to fight his extradition to Sweden, with leaked details shedding new light on the rape and molestation accusations he faces and doubtless coloring and possibly influencing the decision on weather to extradite him or not.
With the amount of media attention and discussion of the Rape charges it must be a difficult time for the judge to make an impartial assessment of the situation. The two-day hearing at a high security London court will examine a Swedish arrest warrant for Assange.
And what of manning, still lanquishing in a military prison? According to the 'Independent' lawyers acting for Bradley Manning, the US intelligence analyst accused of stealing classified diplomatic cables later made public by WikiLeaks, may file for the charges against him to be dismissed on the grounds that the nine months he has been held in solitary confinement in his tiny, bare prison cell under conditions which have been described as inhumane and tantamount to psychological torture have breach his constitutional rights.
While Britain at least makes an effort to invoke justice, it seems the 'land of the free' is not so free after all. Especially when it comes to justice. A case of 'don't do what we do, do what we say'. The catch cry of a dictatorship disguised as a 'democracy'.
the Independent goes on: "Pfc Manning's attorney, David Coombs, stressed that his client was the only detainee at the Quantico Marine Base in Virginia to be held in "maximum" custody, while others were being held in less draconian "medium" detention. The authorities initially said that Manning was being kept in solitary confinement for his own safety, but friends now believe it is being done for punishment."
Punishment, prior to a trial. It used to be in the US, one was innocent until one was proven guilty. Now it is the french syste, one is presumed guilty and has to prove ones innocence. Apparently by barter. this is not the US anymore.
"Legal analysts pointed out the ironic factor that Pfc Manning's deteriorating psychiatric state, allegedly the result of what he has experienced in detention, may undermine a possible US government line of prosecution of Mr Assange. The US Attorney General, Eric Holder, is said to be considering what form of plea bargain may be offered to the soldier if he were to incriminate the WikiLeaks chief as a fellow conspirator in disseminating classified information."
This is injustice by barter. "Tell us what we want to hear or we will continue to impose unconstitional activities on you.' Hmmmm
"Robert Feldman, a US lawyer specialising in security issues, said: "The view was that Manning was in such a fragile state that he may offer something on Assange. But one can turn this around in a courtroom by pointing out that he may say things to placate the authorities in order to get better treatment out of desperation."
"One can also say that if he has indeed been psychologically damaged then just how credible is his evidence."
But Mr Feldman added: "Would Eric Holder let the matter go easily? No. If he does, people like Sarah Palin will tear him to shreds."
"An online petition on behalf of Pfc Manning gathered more than 30,000 signatures in two days with his supporters claiming that attempts to find any evidence that he directly supplied material to WikiLeaks have failed. They claim that he remains incarcerated because the US Justice Department fears the wrath of the Republican Right if he is freed."
So the US Justice Dept is not independent it seems, but subject to outside influences. Well, there goes justice.
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