Tuesday, 5 January 2021

Good, But Bad

So, Julian Assange's extradition to the USA hasn't been allowed - but for the wrong reason. The reason given is his mental health, but that's a condition and a judgement that can be reversed at some time in the future. It still leaves the door open for another application to extradite him.


The problem with the accusation against Assage is that the charge of espionage in the USA does not allow a defence. The government determines what constitutes espionage, not an independent 3rd party. The fact Assange is not allowed to defend himself means that he would be subject to a kangaroo court. 

Was it genuinely espionage, or the action of an embarrassed government? Critics have said that the Espionage Act has become a tool of suppression, used to punish whistleblowers who expose governmental wrongdoing and criminality. Given the vagaries of the Trump presidency, it's a chilling criticism when corrupt people are in power.


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