# Julian Assange (remember him?) update **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 5, 2016, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210 "2016-02-05T07:20:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2017, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/181 "2017-05-21T14:52:23Z")
> [@Evan\_Drake](#): > > How so, since an essential component of his entrapment has fallen ? > > Plus he’s avoided spending that time in a Supermax in America. > If Trump has any sense — not that he does — he, despite his previous threats to Assange, or any other president imaginable would best draw a line under the whole affair, and not prosecute Assange, Snowden or anyone else; and just let them retire into safe semi-obscurity. It’s all yesterday’s news; Americans have indicated they are comfortable with continual surveillance of themselves for the good of the state; and they sure as hell like droning. No state interests, even those of secret police are ever furthered by motivations of revenge. Of course Trump will let him go. Say what you want about the President, but he’s always been very loyal to his supporters. Hell, he’s probably nominate Assange as the new head of the FBI. ---
**Author:** ![Evan\_Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b487fb/32.png) [@Evan\_Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evan_Drake)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2017, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/182 "2017-05-21T14:58:56Z")
> [@ganthet](#): > > He faced some initial questions back in 2010 before prosecutors seemed to form an idea of what the charges might be Ah, the old One Weird Lawyer’s Trick of throwing stuff at the wall and seeing if anything will stick \*. > [@](#): > > it looks like Assange could possibly be charged with a death penalty eligible offense, but the U.S. would not realistically seek it in this case. Can’t imagine why he wanted to evade them for so long. - Also known as, for Britons amongst ye, as The Bobby Sands Special. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/183 "2017-05-23T04:37:09Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Great. He should have no problem being acquitted. Sure, if we thought it was really what they were after. But a lot of us (myself included) think it was something to get him in custody, making it easy for the US to ask for extradition for other stuff. Hence why I’m not even sure that dropping the charges is enough for him. They could also drop the charges in an attempt to get him to go somewhere more amenable to getting him. He leaked US secrets. The US likes to punish people for that. Coming up with a bogus rape charge kinda tipped their hand. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/184 "2017-05-23T04:38:27Z")
> [@ganthet](#): > > Since Assange was in the UK before he fled to the Ecuadorian embassy, why was Assange somehow more afraid that Sweden would extradite him to the U.S. rather than the UK, given that the UK has a much closer relationship to the U.S.? The U.S. has extradition treaties with both Sweden and the UK. It doesn’t really make much sense. Particularly since he is not a British citizen and any charges he could face would not be death penalty eligible offenses, which can one of the main reasons that European countries do not extradite people to the U.S. Because Sweden would have him in custody, while the UK didn’t. Once they have you in custody, it’s kinda hard to flee. Seriously, the amount of loops people will go through to deny the obvious. If this was really the issue, then it would have been reported when it happened and dealt with then, not after the U.S. wanted him. They went on a fishing expedition for something they could charge him for. It’s as obvious as when Trump fired Comey. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/185 "2017-05-23T04:44:03Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Of course Trump will let him go. Say what you want about the President, but he’s always been very loyal to his supporters. > > Hell, he’s probably nominate Assange as the new head of the FBI. Sarcasm? There are plenty of people who helped him who he didn’t reward. He’ll turn on a dime on whether he likes you. Related to this: his Trump support is why I actually don’t care if the US gets him now (unless it turns out Russians took over or were forcing him). But I still 100% believe that the rape charges were just drummed up strategically. The U.S. just isn’t ethical about these sorts of things. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2018, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/186 "2018-07-28T23:05:31Z")
Our friend Julian and his unorthodox couch-surfing are in the news again. It sounds as if the new President of Ecuador views Assange as a headache and an unwelcome houseguest, and is prepared to kick him out, provided Britain gives its undertaking that in the event the US asks for extradition, Britain would impose a “no death penalty” condition on the extradition to the US. [Julian Assange’s fate rests on death penalty assurances, Ecuador’s President says](https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/27/uk/julian-assange-ecuador-embassy-intl/index.html) [Julian Assange cannot stay in embassy forever, Ecuador’s President says](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-28/julian-assange-cannot-stay-in-embassy-forever-says-ecuador/10046616) ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2018, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/187 "2018-07-28T23:56:06Z")
I don’t know what law the US would be able to convict Assange under that would allow for the death penalty? Treason would only be applicable if Assange was an American and, in case anyone isn’t aware, he’s not. That said, as I have noted in other threads, the UK better keep Assange until Trump is out of office. The instant he’s in the US, Assange has a strong motive to provide Trump with information about malfeasance on the part of Democrats (e.g. Clinton) and Trump has a strong motive to pardon Assange. If he comes here, it won’t turn out for the better. There is no Congressional nor Judicial review of the pardon power. No one can stop it nor question it. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2018, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/188 "2018-07-29T00:15:05Z")
I know everyone is speculating about the British handing him over to the US, but surely they’d like some quality time with him as well, not to mention the rest of the EU? Russia hasn’t been subtle about its activities in the UK or the EU in the last few years. I’d like to talk to him about Russian hacking before I handed him over to anyone, were I in British shoes. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2018, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/189 "2018-07-29T00:58:13Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > I know everyone is speculating about the British handing him over to the US, but surely they’d like some quality time with him as well, not to mention the rest of the EU? Russia hasn’t been subtle about its activities in the UK or the EU in the last few years. I’d like to talk to him about Russian hacking before I handed him over to anyone, were I in British shoes. Did WikiLeaks do anything for/against Brexit? ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2018, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/190 "2018-07-29T02:05:00Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > I don’t know what law the US would be able to convict Assange under that would allow for the death penalty? Treason would only be applicable if Assange was an American and, in case anyone isn’t aware, he’s not. I’m sure Ecuador knows that Assange would not face the death penalty either, but they are trying to be tough after keeping him from us for six years. Ecuador: We will not have this poor man face the death penalty!!! U.S.: We promise he will not face the death penalty. Ecuador: Cool. See ya, Julian. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2018, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/191 "2018-07-29T02:24:21Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > Did WikiLeaks do anything for/against Brexit? I am not deeply versed on this at all, but Assange is connected to Nigel Farage (face of the Brexit movement). A quick search indicates that Assange was also publicly in favor of Brexit. The UK and the US both have evidence that Russia funded Ukip/pro-Brexit group. Nigel Farage is also tied to Guccifer 2.0, Russian hackers. I can’t find (again, on very cursory review) anything that says Wikileaks was dumping data. I do find links between Assange, Russia, and Brexit. I would want to talk to him. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2018, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/192 "2018-07-29T02:40:40Z")
I would imagine that Britain would automatically impose the no-death-penalty condition on any extradition, so Ecuador’s position is just posturing anyway. Assange’s best hope is that May is gone before this deal goes through. With a different government, extradition might be a negotiated matter or off the table altogether. With May, she’ll send Assange over to Trump wrapped in a bow, with a love note and some flowers. ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2018, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/193 "2018-07-29T07:09:47Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > I would imagine that Britain would automatically impose the no-death-penalty condition on any extradition, so Ecuador’s position is just posturing anyway. No it wouldn’t, and no they aren’t. May’s government made the headlines last week precisely because it stopped asking for no-death-penalty assurances for some extraditions. See [this article from _The Guardian_](https://www.theguardian.com/law/2018/jul/24/uk-may-face-legal-challenge-over-us-extradition-of-isis-pair), for example, though the story has been covered by all the major UK newspapers. ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2018, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/194 "2018-07-29T10:14:14Z")
> [@psychonaut](#): > > No it wouldn’t, and no they aren’t. May’s government made the headlines last week precisely because it stopped asking for no-death-penalty assurances for some extraditions. See [this article from _The Guardian_](https://www.theguardian.com/law/2018/jul/24/uk-may-face-legal-challenge-over-us-extradition-of-isis-pair), for example, though the story has been covered by all the major UK newspapers. But the reaction over that makes it all the more unlikely that they’d drop the condition in such a case. Whatever he did hardly compares with someone who decapitates hostages. In any case has the US made any moves towards asking for extradition at any time in the last six years? ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2018, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/195 "2018-07-29T11:18:34Z")
> [@PatrickLondon](#): > > In any case has the US made any moves towards asking for extradition at any time in the last six years? No; that would be a very public validation of Assange’s grounds for asylum, and would only entrench Ecuador’s protection of him. If the US really does want to extradite him, it’s best for them to keep quiet for now and let Ecuador act on the (professed) belief that he’s out of danger. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2018, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/196 "2018-07-30T00:30:46Z")
> [@psychonaut](#): > > See [this article from _The Guardian_](https://www.theguardian.com/law/2018/jul/24/uk-may-face-legal-challenge-over-us-extradition-of-isis-pair), for example, though the story has been covered by all the major UK newspapers. As an aside, I found several of the paragraphs of that article troubling, in relation to the two individuals alleged to be involved with ISIS: > [@](#): > > May’s spokeswoman said the prime minister was “aware of these plans and supports the way that this has been handled. The ultimate aim for all of us in our discussions with the US is to make sure that these men face the rest of their lives in prison. That is also what the victims’ families want.” The ultimate aim should be a fair trial, with no pre-determination in advance that the two are guilty and should be in jail for the rest of their lives. > [@](#): > > The justice secretary, David Gauke, defended the decision on Tuesday. “We have to bear in mind the government is determined to ensure the two individuals are properly brought to justice and the decision was made on the details of their particular cases,” he said. > > “I don’t think anybody wants to see those two individuals walk free because there’s insufficient evidence to bring a case against them.” If they’re properly brought to justice and there is insufficient evidence, yes, they should walk free. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2018, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/197 "2018-07-30T01:14:36Z")
**Northern Piper** I agree with you, for what it’s worth. The way we have handled suspected terrorists in the justice system is improper at best. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2018, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/198 "2018-07-30T01:46:32Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > As an aside, I found several of the paragraphs of that article troubling, in relation to the two individuals alleged to be involved with ISIS: > > The ultimate aim should be a fair trial, with no pre-determination in advance that the two are guilty and should be in jail for the rest of their lives. > > If they’re properly brought to justice and there is insufficient evidence, yes, they should walk free. That’s true, but the government is playing the part of the Prosecutor, so I would hold it as fairly reasonable to say what outcome they are seeking _as the Prosecution_ (or whatever the British term is, if different). ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2018, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/199 "2018-07-30T01:51:52Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > As an aside, I found several of the paragraphs of that article troubling, in relation to the two individuals alleged to be involved with ISIS: > > The ultimate aim should be a fair trial, with no pre-determination in advance that the two are guilty and should be in jail for the rest of their lives. > > If they’re properly brought to justice and there is insufficient evidence, yes, they should walk free. 😃 That is so adorably cute and old-fashioned. Not the case in England after 10 years of Blair’s “rebalancing” and “aim to convict the guilty”. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2018, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210/200 "2018-07-30T04:06:05Z")
The Deputy Attorney General in one Canadian province a few years ago sent a memo to all Crown prosecutors which said that their overall goal was to get convictions. The memo somehow ended up with the press. The assumption was that a Crown prosecutor did not think it accurately set out their legal and constitutional duties. The Deputy AG was gone within a week or two. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julian-assange-remember-him-update/745210.md?page=11)