The editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks has taken aim at what he calls the “hollow words” pushed by the U.S in the extradition hearing of Julian Assange. These remarks were made during the opening arguments for the extradition hearing of Julian Assange today. Kristinn Hrafnsson was speaking to the media outside Woolwich Crown Court when he suggested there was nothing new in the U.S. argument and teased “the real news” would come out from tomorrow when the defence gets the opportunity to outline its evidence.
Mr Hrafnsson said: “The words that are coming out from the United States about WikiLeaks revelations in 2010 and 2011 were hollow 10 years ago, and they don’t increase in legitimacy as years go by. On the contrary, those are hollow words. There is nothing to back it up. What we are seeing here is simply journalism on trial. It is a shameful thing that we should be defending journalism in a court of law in this country”. The words were met with elation from the group of chanting Assange supporters.
In court, James Lewis QC is representing the U.S. government and reiterated the list of allegations made in the U.S. indictment. A number of these legal arguments had been previously produced during the trial of Chelsea Manning in 2013. Mr Lewis told the court “This is an extradition hearing, not a trial. The guilt or innocence of Mr. Assange will be determined at trial in the United States, not in this court.”
Tristan Kirk who is the court reporter for the Evening Standard has stated that Assange at one point said that he was “having difficulty concentrating” due to noise from protestors outside and added “I’m very appreciative of public support, I understand they must be disgusted.” After the short lunch break the WikiLeaks’ defence argued the extradition request is politically motivated.
The extradition proceedings are taking place across two separate hearings at Woolwich Crown Court, and are expected to last for several months. The first hearing started today and runs until February 28. The second is currently set to take place between May 18 and June 5. In addition to this a ruling is not expected for months after the last court date. Christine Assange, Julian’s mother, said via Twitter Sunday the case marked the “David and Goliath fight of our generation.” The tweet said “Between the world’s superpower & the journalist who dared publish proof of its war crimes. The outcome will decide his fate.”
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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