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Julian Assange: UN panel decision is 'vindication' – live updates Julian Assange: UN panel decision is 'vindication' – live updates
(35 minutes later)
1.13pm GMT
13:13
Esther Addley
Here’s the start of Esther Addley’s first take on Assange’s remarks:
Julian Assange has accused Britain’s foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, of insulting the United Nations in his response to a panel finding that Assange’s circumstances amount to “arbitrary detention”.
Hammond called the panel’s finding “ridiculous” and said the Wikileaks founder was a “fugitive from justice”. Assange said the remarks were “beneath the stature that a foreign minister should express in this situation”.
Assange said of the panel’s finding: “This is the end of the road for the legal arguments that have been put forward by Sweden and the UK.”
Appearing at a west London press conference by videolink from the Ecuadorian embassy, where he has remained since seeking asylum in 2012, Assange said that if Sweden and the UK continued to dispute the report, “the diplomatic effect is that it will become difficult for [the two countries] to be treated seriously as international players”.
Related: Julian Assange accuses UK minister of insulting UN after detention finding
1.10pm GMT
13:10
Owen Bowcott
Lord Macdonald QC, the former Director of Public Prosecutions, condemned the UN panel report as misguided, writes Owen Bowcott.
He told The Guardian: “This report is beyond parody. Julian Assange is wanted in connection with a grave sexual offence in a country that has a fair trial justice system consistent with the highest international standards. Instead of cooperating with the Swedish authorities, as he should have done, Mr Assange has chosen to hole up in a foreign embassy, deliberately frustrating a serious criminal investigation.
“To describe his situation as ‘arbitrary detention’ is ludicrous. Rather than expecting Swedish prosecutors to visit him at his leisure in his hiding place, Mr Assange should recognise that he is not above the law, give himself up and answer the allegations he faces. The United Nations Panel on Arbitrary Detention has embarrassed itself and all those concerned about real injustices in the world.
1.08pm GMT
13:08
Back at the Frontline club, where the press conference is still going on, Melinda Taylor confirms that Assange won’t be walking out of the Ecuadorian embassy. “Mr Assange will not be walking out because of a risk [of being extradited] to the United States. It is a risk that hasn’t been addressed by Sweden and the United Kingdom,” she said.
12.57pm GMT
12:57
Jessica Elgot
Jessica Elgot has more from the Assange supporters gathering at the Ecuadorian embassy:
The WikiLeaks supporters who have kept vigil for Julian Assange since he arrived at the Embassy are a close bunch, with many arriving at midday for moral support as Assange prepared to address the Frontline club via video link.
Homemade posters have been put up on the White iron bars at the front of the embassy and on the railings of the flats facing it. Addressing the press pack through a megaphone, former Spanish teacher Elsa Collins said the UK government was detaining Assange illegally.
“The UK government is breaking international law, they try to say they abide by United Nations but they do not. He has been deprived of all human rights. UK and Sweden must be held accountable. This is not a democracy if they arrest Julian Assange. We demand our governments obey international law.”
12.54pm GMT
12:54
Andrew Sparrow
Andrew Sparrow has more on Downing Street condemnation of the UN panel’s finding.
A spokesman for the prime minister said: “It’s ridiculous.There’s an arrest warrant out for [Assange]. He has never been arbitrarily detained in this country. It is entirely his choice to remain in the Ecuadorian embassy and he is avoiding lawful arrest by choosing to remain there.”
The spokesman also said that the people on the UN panel were lay people rather than lawyers, and that every time Assange had challenged the legal process in court, in every legal jurisdiction, he had lost.
The Swedish has issued an arrest warrant for Assange in connection with some very serious offences, the spokesman went on, and Britain would put that warrant into effect if it could.
“Ultimately it is a question for Mr Assange why has has chosen to detain himself in this way,” the spokesman said.
12.51pm GMT
12:51
Here’s a summary of where things stand:
12.43pm GMT12.43pm GMT
12:4312:43
The first writeups of Assange’s statement are coming in. The first take of the Press Assoication picks up on his criticism of the British foreign secretary, Philip Hammond:The first writeups of Assange’s statement are coming in. The first take of the Press Assoication picks up on his criticism of the British foreign secretary, Philip Hammond:
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange remained inside the Ecuadorian Embassy today, launching an attack against the Government for its “insulting” response to a UN working group report on his detention.WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange remained inside the Ecuadorian Embassy today, launching an attack against the Government for its “insulting” response to a UN working group report on his detention.
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond branded the working group’s findings on the “arbitrary detention” of Mr Assange as “frankly ridiculous” and said the Australian was “hiding from justice”.Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond branded the working group’s findings on the “arbitrary detention” of Mr Assange as “frankly ridiculous” and said the Australian was “hiding from justice”.
He spoke out after the UN panel had ruled Mr Assange was being “arbitrarily detained” in the Ecuadorian embassy in London - and called for him to be paid compensation.He spoke out after the UN panel had ruled Mr Assange was being “arbitrarily detained” in the Ecuadorian embassy in London - and called for him to be paid compensation.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said the Swedish and British authorities should end Mr Assange’s “deprivation of liberty” and respect his physical integrity and freedom of movement.The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said the Swedish and British authorities should end Mr Assange’s “deprivation of liberty” and respect his physical integrity and freedom of movement.
Mr Assange spoke via Skype to a press conference in London, saying the UN report had brought a smile to his face, and insisting his detention had now been formally ruled as unlawful.Mr Assange spoke via Skype to a press conference in London, saying the UN report had brought a smile to his face, and insisting his detention had now been formally ruled as unlawful.
He said comments by Mr Hammond were “beneath” the minister’s stature and insulting to the UN.He said comments by Mr Hammond were “beneath” the minister’s stature and insulting to the UN.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press highlighted Assange’s assessment of the UN panel’s decision:Meanwhile, the Associated Press highlighted Assange’s assessment of the UN panel’s decision:
Julian Assange says a U.N. panel’s finding that he has been arbitrarily detained is a “vindication.”Julian Assange says a U.N. panel’s finding that he has been arbitrarily detained is a “vindication.”
The WikiLeaks founder says it is “now a matter of settled law” that he has been wrongly detained.The WikiLeaks founder says it is “now a matter of settled law” that he has been wrongly detained.
Assange spoke to journalists by video from the London embassy of Ecuador, where he has been holed up for 3½ years to avoid extradition to Sweden for questioning about alleged sexual offenses.Assange spoke to journalists by video from the London embassy of Ecuador, where he has been holed up for 3½ years to avoid extradition to Sweden for questioning about alleged sexual offenses.
Assange said Britain and Sweden cannot appeal the panel’s finding, but Britain has already indicated it will challenge.Assange said Britain and Sweden cannot appeal the panel’s finding, but Britain has already indicated it will challenge.
12.37pm GMT12.37pm GMT
12:3712:37
Here’s audio of the full 10 minute response from Assange.Here’s audio of the full 10 minute response from Assange.
12.32pm GMT12.32pm GMT
12:3212:32
Here’s a video clip of Assange’s response.Here’s a video clip of Assange’s response.
12.32pm GMT12.32pm GMT
12:3212:32
Assange closed by saying:Assange closed by saying:
I would like to say thank you, that I miss my family. That we have today a really significant victory that has brought a smile to my face and I hope many others as well.I would like to say thank you, that I miss my family. That we have today a really significant victory that has brought a smile to my face and I hope many others as well.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.34pm GMTat 12.34pm GMT
12.28pm GMT12.28pm GMT
12:2812:28
Assange thanked the UN for “producing this verdict”. He said it would help his case for freedom but was also an important ruling generally on arbitrary detention.Assange thanked the UN for “producing this verdict”. He said it would help his case for freedom but was also an important ruling generally on arbitrary detention.
Assange thanks his lawyers.Assange thanks his lawyers.
12.27pm GMT12.27pm GMT
12:2712:27
Assange said that if the UK and Sweden continued to undermine the panel’s finding they would be hit diplomatically. “We have now a victory, and decided law on this case,” he said.Assange said that if the UK and Sweden continued to undermine the panel’s finding they would be hit diplomatically. “We have now a victory, and decided law on this case,” he said.
12.24pm GMT12.24pm GMT
12:2412:24
Assange insisted the panel’s findings were legally binding. The panel was a higher body than national law, he said.Assange insisted the panel’s findings were legally binding. The panel was a higher body than national law, he said.
Assange also described Philip Hammond’s comments as insulting and beneath a foreign secretary. He said Hammond’s claim that the finding was ridiculous was just for “domestic consumption”.Assange also described Philip Hammond’s comments as insulting and beneath a foreign secretary. He said Hammond’s claim that the finding was ridiculous was just for “domestic consumption”.
Assange claimed there was no appeal against the panel’s decision; it was a matter of “settled law”. Earlier the UN said Sweden and the UK had two months to contest the findings. But Assange said: “The time for appeal is over.”Assange claimed there was no appeal against the panel’s decision; it was a matter of “settled law”. Earlier the UN said Sweden and the UK had two months to contest the findings. But Assange said: “The time for appeal is over.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.33pm GMTat 12.33pm GMT
12.20pm GMT12.20pm GMT
12:2012:20
Assange appears via videolink: “Today that detention without charge has been found to be unlawful. I consider the outcome a vindication.”Assange appears via videolink: “Today that detention without charge has been found to be unlawful. I consider the outcome a vindication.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.30pm GMTat 12.30pm GMT
12.18pm GMT12.18pm GMT
12:1812:18
Taylor says the panel recommendation of compensation for Assange highlights that he has become a victim of his whistleblowing.Taylor says the panel recommendation of compensation for Assange highlights that he has become a victim of his whistleblowing.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.20pm GMTat 12.20pm GMT
12.16pm GMT12.16pm GMT
12:1612:16
Taylor says that the indefinite detention of Assange is a form of “mental torture”.Taylor says that the indefinite detention of Assange is a form of “mental torture”.
12.12pm GMT12.12pm GMT
12:1212:12
Melinda Taylor says the finding affirms that Assange has been a victim of a miscarriage of justice. “He has been detained for five years, one month and 29 days,” she says.Melinda Taylor says the finding affirms that Assange has been a victim of a miscarriage of justice. “He has been detained for five years, one month and 29 days,” she says.
“If you have no effective freedom, then you are detained ... yet Sweden and the UK refused to acknowledge that,” she added.“If you have no effective freedom, then you are detained ... yet Sweden and the UK refused to acknowledge that,” she added.
12.09pm GMT12.09pm GMT
12:0912:09
Lawyer Jennifer Robinson described the finding as “resounding victory for Mr Assange”.Lawyer Jennifer Robinson described the finding as “resounding victory for Mr Assange”.
12.01pm GMT12.01pm GMT
12:0112:01
The Frontline club press conference is about to get under way. Assange supporters are sitting in front of a big screen where the Wikileaks founder is expected to appear via Skype.The Frontline club press conference is about to get under way. Assange supporters are sitting in front of a big screen where the Wikileaks founder is expected to appear via Skype.
John Jones QC, Melinda Taylor, Jennifer Robinson and Baltasar Garzon will give presentations before Assange is due to appear.John Jones QC, Melinda Taylor, Jennifer Robinson and Baltasar Garzon will give presentations before Assange is due to appear.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.20pm GMTat 12.20pm GMT
11.54am GMT11.54am GMT
11:5411:54
Downing Street has echoed Hammond’s line on the panel’s finding.Downing Street has echoed Hammond’s line on the panel’s finding.
David Cameron’s spokesman said:David Cameron’s spokesman said:
“It’s ridiculous. There’s a European arrest warrant out for him. He has never been arbitrarily detained in this country.“It’s ridiculous. There’s a European arrest warrant out for him. He has never been arbitrarily detained in this country.
“It’s entirely his choice to remain in the Ecuadorian embassy and he is avoiding lawful arrest by choosing to remain there.”“It’s entirely his choice to remain in the Ecuadorian embassy and he is avoiding lawful arrest by choosing to remain there.”
11.51am GMT
11:51
The Guardian’s Esther Addley is in prime position for the Assange press conference at the Frontline club.
Hosting press conference with Julian Assange in response to UN legal panel ruling - live at https://t.co/CNtUg7cdTw pic.twitter.com/Bu31qm3t7x
#Assange expected to appear by video link at 12pm press conference. This is the scene with an hour to go.. pic.twitter.com/BeuANslal5
Updated
at 11.52am GMT
11.47am GMT
11:47
Here’s footage of the foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, describing the finding as “flawed in law” and “frankly ridiculous”.
Updated
at 12.21pm GMT
11.44am GMT
11:44
Ecuador’s foreign minister, Ricardo Patiño, says his government will give its response at 7am local time (midday UK time).
Ofreceré la reacción del Ecuador ante la Disposición del Grupo de Trabajo de la ONU en el caso #Assange. @teleSURtv 7h00; @CNNEE 7h30
Updated
at 12.22pm GMT
11.38am GMT
11:38
The respected international lawyer, Philippe Sands, doesn’t think much of the panel’s finding.
Have read the full WGAD #Assange report - poorly reasoned and unpersuasive. Not the UN’s finest day https://t.co/Wmq2YGHiBi
Neither does the legal commentator Joshua Rozenberg.
Excellent @guardian leader today on Assange. Reminds us he has broken bail conditions. https://t.co/PZLPPpV2ea And, no, I didn’t write it.
11.35am GMT
11:35
The Daily Mash pokes fun at the panel’s finding.
A Man who has been waiting for his Argos purchase for more than 15 minutes is being detained in violation of his human rights, the UN has ruled.
Tom Logan was given his ticket for a Nespresso coffee machine at 9.46am, but is still confined within the store at 10.02am with no end to his ordeal in sight.
Variations on the same gag abound.
UN demands compo too for Assange. I demand beer and curry from the Govt every time I'm forced to stay in and watch Sky Sports
Remember when Ronnie Biggs was arbitrarily detained in Brazil for over 30 years? #assange @DavidAllenGreen
11.28am GMT
11:28
Jessica Elgot
Jessica Elgot reports live from the press scrum at the Ecuadorian embassy:
The back streets of luxury apartments behind Harrods department store which look on to the front of the Ecuadorian embassy are once more crammed with the international press, two or three deep back from the kerb.
Reporters are here from the US, Sweden, Australia, Germany and Russia, among others, hoping that Julian Assange may stride out for an impromptu speech from the famous balcony, though there is no indication he will.
A police van moved to the front of the balcony in the last few hours, though police have not regularly been stationed here since the Met downgraded their presence at the embassy last year, with the operation having cost the taxpayer more than £12m.
Among the crowds of photographers, around a dozen Assange supporters have been here throughout the morning.
Jim Curran, a former railway engineer and WikiLeaks supporter, who has visited the embassy almost every day since Assange entered, said at one point the vigil had numbered 150, but people slowly drifted away.
Curran said he did not expect to see Assange appear today. “Many people wanted to be here, but they have jobs, students are at university, it’s not really surprising,” he said.
Updated
at 12.26pm GMT
11.16am GMT
11:16
Assange’s barrister Geoffrey Robertson has urged the UK and Swedish authorities to abide by the panel’s finding.
Speaking to BBC News he said:
“Sweden has acted contrary to international law. Sweden is bound morally by this judgment so obviously in order to enforce it, Britain should get together with Sweden and find a way out. And perhaps compensate the Ecuadorians for putting up Julian Assange. That is the result of Britain’s commitment to international law.”
11.08am GMT
11:08
Philip Hammond also dismissed the panel’s finding as “flawed in law”. Here’s audio of his statement:
10.59am GMT
10:59
Jessica Elgot
The Guardian’s Jessica Elgot has joined the media scrum outside the Ecuadorian embassy.
Hundreds of press here outside Ecuadorian embassy from across the world, hoping for a peek of Assange pic.twitter.com/M5KSaJNLWQ
The police van has moved to just in front of the embassy balcony. Coppers were stationed round the corner yesterday pic.twitter.com/qZ7YWnUlOy
This is Jim Curran, who has visited the Embassy to support Assange almost every day. pic.twitter.com/E0vjeUop2T
10.56am GMT
10:56
A Guardian editorial on the panel’s finding agrees with the Hammond’s assessment.
It says the panel’s opinion is “simply wrong”:
“[Assange] is not being detained arbitrarily. Three-and-a-half years ago, he sought refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in order to avoid extradition to Sweden to face allegations of sex offences. He had fought extradition through every court, and at each his case was rejected. “Arbitrary” detention means that due legal process has not been observed. It has. This is a publicity stunt.
It is possible to sympathise with his circumstances, and to applaud his role in the WikiLeaks revelations that exposed embarassing and sometimes illegal US activity that were published in the Guardian (while deploring his later decision to dump many more, unmediated, on the web) without accepting his right to evade prosecutors’ questions about the allegation that he committed a serious criminal offence.
He has always argued that it is not the sex offence inquiries that he is avoiding, but extradition from Sweden to the US. Chelsea Manning, the soldier who originally downloaded the material and leaked it to Mr Assange, is serving a long sentence in military detention. There are indications that WikiLeaks is in the US justice department’s sights: it’s been confirmed that a grand jury is investigating; no indictment has been made public, but that does not mean there is none. Equally, the justice department could decide to make a distinction between government employees and military personnel who had a duty to protect classified information, and those who, like Mr Assange, published it. But WikiLeaks was founded on exposing those who ignored the rule of law. Surely its editor-in-chief should recognise his duty to see it upheld.