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WikiLeaks founder Assange seeks asylum at Ecuadorian embassy – live WikiLeaks founder Assange seeks asylum at Ecuadorian embassy – live
(39 minutes later)
11.36pm BST/6.36pm ET: You can watch Julian Assange's interview with Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa here:
Here's Assange's introductory voiceover:
A new generation of Latin American leaders has arisen. Correa is a left-wing populist who has changed the face of Ecuador, but unlike his predecessors, he holds a Ph.D. in economics. According to U.S. embassy cables, Correa is the most popular president in Ecuador's democratic history. But in 2010, he was taken hostage in an attempted coup d'etat. He blames the coup attempt on corrupt media and has launched a controversial counter-offensive. Correa says the media defines what reforms are possible. I want to know, is he justified? And what is his vision for Latin America?
It would be interesting to know what Assange and Correa said to one another when the cameras weren't rolling. Travel arrangements?
11.24pm BST/6.24pm ET: What will the United States do if it gets ahold of Julian Assange? There's the question of what charges he might face and the question of punishment.
It's no question that the United States would like to bring a world of hurt down on Assange. Consider the action taken against Bradley Manning, the former army intelligence analyst in Iraq who was Assange's connection inside the US military. Manning faces 50+ years in prison and has already endured years of solitary confinement and interrogation at the hands of the government, the details of which are unknown.
The top figures in US government have condemned Assange and Wikileaks. President Obama called the actions "deplorable." His first press secretary, Robert Gibbs, said the leaks were "against the law" and potentially "very harmful to those that are in our military... and those who are keeping us safe."
Attorney General Eric Holder said "a very serious criminal investigation" was under way and mentioned the National Espionage Act of 1917 as a possible path forward, "but that is not the only tool that we have to use in the investigation of this matter. ... People would have a misimpression to think that the only statute we are looking at is the espionage act."
The question of punishment is likewise open-ended. The Atlantic's David Samuels mentions decades in jail. Given the security threat Assange has posed to American interests, as interpreted by American officials, and the embarrassment that his case presents to American power, it is not difficult to imagine a severe sentence.
If the United States does get its hands on Assange, his story changes. His downfall will hang on the accusations against him in Sweden.
11.00pm BST/6.00pm ET: Jemima Khan, a contributor to the Assange bailout fund, tweets her surprise at the hack star's slip:
@iankatz1000 Yes. I had expected him to face the allegations. I am as surprised as anyone by this.
— Jemima Khan (@Jemima_Khan) June 19, 2012
10.51pm BST/5.51pm ET: CORRECTION: Wikileaks experts have pointed out that Julian Assange himself is not known to use the @JulianAssange_ Twitter account. Our post of 10.23pm BST is therefore incorrect in suggesting that a tweet from that account came from Assange.10.51pm BST/5.51pm ET: CORRECTION: Wikileaks experts have pointed out that Julian Assange himself is not known to use the @JulianAssange_ Twitter account. Our post of 10.23pm BST is therefore incorrect in suggesting that a tweet from that account came from Assange.
The fundraising site the account links to appears to be connected with Assange as reported.The fundraising site the account links to appears to be connected with Assange as reported.
10.38pm BST/5.38pm ET: Max Fisher in the Atlantic points out that Assange interviewed Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa last month for "The World Tomorrow," Assange's show on the state-sponsored TV channel Russia Today.10.38pm BST/5.38pm ET: Max Fisher in the Atlantic points out that Assange interviewed Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa last month for "The World Tomorrow," Assange's show on the state-sponsored TV channel Russia Today.
Assange's program boasted of guests who were "revolutionaries" and non-state, anti-government freedom fighters. His first guest was Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.Assange's program boasted of guests who were "revolutionaries" and non-state, anti-government freedom fighters. His first guest was Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Here's Fisher on the Correa interview:Here's Fisher on the Correa interview:
Assange did ask Correa about his "reforms" in media policies, and whether they would repress "true information." He answered by praising Wikileaks for exposing that "in a shameless way, the [Ecuadorian] media did not publish those cables or news which affected them." He dismissed reports of his media suppression as "just myths," saying that "this is hardly ever seen in Latin America."Assange did ask Correa about his "reforms" in media policies, and whether they would repress "true information." He answered by praising Wikileaks for exposing that "in a shameless way, the [Ecuadorian] media did not publish those cables or news which affected them." He dismissed reports of his media suppression as "just myths," saying that "this is hardly ever seen in Latin America."
To be fair, Wikileaks did publish a number of cables from the U.S. embassy in Ecuador. Some could be seen as embarrassing to Correa's government, such as this late 2011 cable noting "several items of concern which, left unresolved, could prejudice a clean and orderly vote" in the national elections. Still, they weren't all bad. Correa even read a couple of them over the air on Assange's show.To be fair, Wikileaks did publish a number of cables from the U.S. embassy in Ecuador. Some could be seen as embarrassing to Correa's government, such as this late 2011 cable noting "several items of concern which, left unresolved, could prejudice a clean and orderly vote" in the national elections. Still, they weren't all bad. Correa even read a couple of them over the air on Assange's show.
10.29pm BST/5.29pm ET: @Sweden, the national account that is handed off to a different citizen every week, weighs in on the Assange controversy. Here the current @Sweden, a 23-year-old woman named Ell, responds to a campaign to hand the account over to the Wikileaks founder:10.29pm BST/5.29pm ET: @Sweden, the national account that is handed off to a different citizen every week, weighs in on the Assange controversy. Here the current @Sweden, a 23-year-old woman named Ell, responds to a campaign to hand the account over to the Wikileaks founder:
Ok now I get why some people wants Assange to be curator of @sweden. They want to trick him here, so he can be executed in the US. Nasty.Ok now I get why some people wants Assange to be curator of @sweden. They want to trick him here, so he can be executed in the US. Nasty.
— @sweden / Ell (@sweden) June 14, 2012— @sweden / Ell (@sweden) June 14, 2012
10.23pm BST/5.23pm ET: Assange's final tweet?:
10.23pm BST/5.23pm ET: Assange's final tweet?:
We know your support is unwavering justice4assange.com/donate.html thanks.We know your support is unwavering justice4assange.com/donate.html thanks.
— Julian Assange (@JulianAssange_) June 1, 2012— Julian Assange (@JulianAssange_) June 1, 2012
Considering the discussion of Assange's fundraising difficulties in the previous post, it's notable that this tweet links to one place Assange found he could collect money electronically: FundRazr on Facebook. The web site says he has raised £180,307 out of a goal of £200,000.Considering the discussion of Assange's fundraising difficulties in the previous post, it's notable that this tweet links to one place Assange found he could collect money electronically: FundRazr on Facebook. The web site says he has raised £180,307 out of a goal of £200,000.
10.22pm BST/5.22pm ET: Bye-bye bail:10.22pm BST/5.22pm ET: Bye-bye bail:
A few people who may be wondering if they will see their #Assange bail money again....http://bit.ly/LzH0AtA few people who may be wondering if they will see their #Assange bail money again....http://bit.ly/LzH0At
— ian katz (@iankatz1000) June 19, 2012— ian katz (@iankatz1000) June 19, 2012
It cost supporters of Julian Assange £200,000 to bail him out of jail in Britain. They had to post the money in cash because credit card companies and PayPal refused to process pledges to the Assange organization. (For their trouble, the companies became targets of hacking attacks by Anonymous.)It cost supporters of Julian Assange £200,000 to bail him out of jail in Britain. They had to post the money in cash because credit card companies and PayPal refused to process pledges to the Assange organization. (For their trouble, the companies became targets of hacking attacks by Anonymous.)
10.13pm BST/5.13pm ET: Ecuador, a country with a tenuous respect for international human rights law, would seem an unlikely refuge for Julian Assange, the free speech and transparency crusader.10.13pm BST/5.13pm ET: Ecuador, a country with a tenuous respect for international human rights law, would seem an unlikely refuge for Julian Assange, the free speech and transparency crusader.
My colleague Brian Braiker reports:My colleague Brian Braiker reports:
Ecuador's justice system and record on free speech have been called into question by Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and Amnesty International.Ecuador's justice system and record on free speech have been called into question by Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and Amnesty International.
"I think this is ironic that you have a journalist, or an activist, seeking political asylum from a government that has – after Cuba – the poorest record of free speech in the region, and the practice of persecuting local journalists when the government is upset by their opinions or their research," José Miguel Vivanco, director of Human Rights Watch's Americas division, told the Guardian."I think this is ironic that you have a journalist, or an activist, seeking political asylum from a government that has – after Cuba – the poorest record of free speech in the region, and the practice of persecuting local journalists when the government is upset by their opinions or their research," José Miguel Vivanco, director of Human Rights Watch's Americas division, told the Guardian.
Vivanco points out that in April of 2011, Ecuador expelled the US ambassador Heather Hodges over diplomatic cables published by WikiLeaks alleging widespread corruption within the Ecuadorian police.Vivanco points out that in April of 2011, Ecuador expelled the US ambassador Heather Hodges over diplomatic cables published by WikiLeaks alleging widespread corruption within the Ecuadorian police.
"Maybe Assange feels President [Rafael] Correa owes something to him," Vivanco said."Maybe Assange feels President [Rafael] Correa owes something to him," Vivanco said.
Still, the fact remains that free speech watchdogs are quick to tick off a laundry list of Ecuador's breaches.Still, the fact remains that free speech watchdogs are quick to tick off a laundry list of Ecuador's breaches.
"In a referendum held in May 2011, President Rafael Correa obtained a popular mandate for constitutional reforms that could significantly increase government powers to constrain media and influence the appointment and dismissal of judges," Human Rights Watch wrote in its 2011 Ecuador report."In a referendum held in May 2011, President Rafael Correa obtained a popular mandate for constitutional reforms that could significantly increase government powers to constrain media and influence the appointment and dismissal of judges," Human Rights Watch wrote in its 2011 Ecuador report.
"Those involved in protests in which there are outbreaks of violence may be prosecuted on inflated and inappropriate terrorism charges. Criminal defamation laws that restrict freedom of expression remain in force and Correa has used them repeatedly against his critics.""Those involved in protests in which there are outbreaks of violence may be prosecuted on inflated and inappropriate terrorism charges. Criminal defamation laws that restrict freedom of expression remain in force and Correa has used them repeatedly against his critics."
10.02pm BST/5.02pm ET: "In seeking asylum from Ecuador, the Wikileaks founder is motivated by one thing: a desire to avoid extradition to the U.S," writes Glenn Greenwald in Salon. "Can anyone blame him?"10.02pm BST/5.02pm ET: "In seeking asylum from Ecuador, the Wikileaks founder is motivated by one thing: a desire to avoid extradition to the U.S," writes Glenn Greenwald in Salon. "Can anyone blame him?"
Here's Greenwald's analysis of why Assange will be easier prey for the United States if he is extradited:Here's Greenwald's analysis of why Assange will be easier prey for the United States if he is extradited:
In general, small countries are more easily coerced and bullied by the U.S., and Sweden in particular has a demonstrated history of aceeding to U.S. demands when it comes to individuals accused of harming American national security. In December, 2001, Sweden handed over two asylum-seekers to the CIA, which then rendered them to be tortured in Egypt. A ruling from the U.N. Human Rights Committee found Sweden in violation of the global ban on torture for its role in that rendition (the two individuals later received a substantial settlement from the Swedish government). The fact that Sweden has unusually oppressive pre-trial procedures — allowing for extreme levels of secrecy in its judicial proceedings — only heightens Assange's concern about what will happen to him vis-a-vis the U.S. if he ends up in Swedish custody.In general, small countries are more easily coerced and bullied by the U.S., and Sweden in particular has a demonstrated history of aceeding to U.S. demands when it comes to individuals accused of harming American national security. In December, 2001, Sweden handed over two asylum-seekers to the CIA, which then rendered them to be tortured in Egypt. A ruling from the U.N. Human Rights Committee found Sweden in violation of the global ban on torture for its role in that rendition (the two individuals later received a substantial settlement from the Swedish government). The fact that Sweden has unusually oppressive pre-trial procedures — allowing for extreme levels of secrecy in its judicial proceedings — only heightens Assange's concern about what will happen to him vis-a-vis the U.S. if he ends up in Swedish custody.
What will happen to Assange if he ends up in US custody?What will happen to Assange if he ends up in US custody?
9.50pm BST/4.50pm ET: The Pirate Party UK, libertarian supporters of the open Internet and anti-surveillance movements, calls Assange's asylum application "extremely unfortunate," while seeking to draw a line between the fugitive and the Wikileaks organization. Pirate Party spokesman Ed Geraghty released this statement:9.50pm BST/4.50pm ET: The Pirate Party UK, libertarian supporters of the open Internet and anti-surveillance movements, calls Assange's asylum application "extremely unfortunate," while seeking to draw a line between the fugitive and the Wikileaks organization. Pirate Party spokesman Ed Geraghty released this statement:
"It is extremely unfortunate that Mr Assange has felt the need to take this step. Assange has maintained that this extradition is politically motivated and it would appear he feels that the Australian government is unable or unwilling to provide him with the support he needs.""It is extremely unfortunate that Mr Assange has felt the need to take this step. Assange has maintained that this extradition is politically motivated and it would appear he feels that the Australian government is unable or unwilling to provide him with the support he needs."
"No matter what happens with Assange, it is important to remember that Wikileaks is far bigger than any one person and that their increasingly important work must go on.""No matter what happens with Assange, it is important to remember that Wikileaks is far bigger than any one person and that their increasingly important work must go on."
"Every day, whistleblowers of all types face terrible risks when exposing wrong-doing in ever more challenging and dangerous situations, as governments world-wide, including in the UK, are pushing for more thorough and pervasive surveillance. Wikileaks and similar organisations work hard to ensure that dangerous practises, illegality and serious issues that are in the public interest are exposed - The Pirate Party UK supports them in that effort.""Every day, whistleblowers of all types face terrible risks when exposing wrong-doing in ever more challenging and dangerous situations, as governments world-wide, including in the UK, are pushing for more thorough and pervasive surveillance. Wikileaks and similar organisations work hard to ensure that dangerous practises, illegality and serious issues that are in the public interest are exposed - The Pirate Party UK supports them in that effort."
9.44pm BST/4.44pm ET: "A reverse Chen Guangcheng" – that's how the Atlantic's Max Fisher sees Assange's asylum request. In April, Chen made a daring midnight escape from house arrest and was smuggled hundred of miles to the US Embassy in Beijing.9.44pm BST/4.44pm ET: "A reverse Chen Guangcheng" – that's how the Atlantic's Max Fisher sees Assange's asylum request. In April, Chen made a daring midnight escape from house arrest and was smuggled hundred of miles to the US Embassy in Beijing.
Discouragingly for Assange, perhaps, the asylum application did not work out for Chen, whom the Americans turned over to the Chinese. Encouragingly, Chen finally made it to the United States on a student visa from New York University.Discouragingly for Assange, perhaps, the asylum application did not work out for Chen, whom the Americans turned over to the Chinese. Encouragingly, Chen finally made it to the United States on a student visa from New York University.
Of course the United States, which accuses Assange of stealing state secrets and endangering American soldiers and diplomats, is at the bottom of the list of countries Assange would like to visit. One reason he doesn't want to go back to Sweden is that he's worried it's just a waystation to a US military tribunal.Of course the United States, which accuses Assange of stealing state secrets and endangering American soldiers and diplomats, is at the bottom of the list of countries Assange would like to visit. One reason he doesn't want to go back to Sweden is that he's worried it's just a waystation to a US military tribunal.
The Guardian's Beatrice Woolf has a primer on the case against Assange:The Guardian's Beatrice Woolf has a primer on the case against Assange:
The Swedish authorities want him to answer accusations of raping a woman and sexually molesting and coercing another in Stockholm in August 2010 while on a visit to give a lecture.The Swedish authorities want him to answer accusations of raping a woman and sexually molesting and coercing another in Stockholm in August 2010 while on a visit to give a lecture.
Assange, whose WikiLeaks website has published a mass of leaked diplomatic cables that embarrassed several governments and international businesses, says the sex was consensual and the allegations against him are politically motivated.Assange, whose WikiLeaks website has published a mass of leaked diplomatic cables that embarrassed several governments and international businesses, says the sex was consensual and the allegations against him are politically motivated.
Last week the supreme court reaffirmed its rejection of the 40-year-old's appeal against his extradition, turning down an 11th hour request to reopen the case.Last week the supreme court reaffirmed its rejection of the 40-year-old's appeal against his extradition, turning down an 11th hour request to reopen the case.
In a brief statement, the court said the application was "without merit and it is dismissed."In a brief statement, the court said the application was "without merit and it is dismissed."
9.30pm BST/4.30pm ET: The home team, Anonymous, is making a direct appeal to Ecuador to accept Assange.9.30pm BST/4.30pm ET: The home team, Anonymous, is making a direct appeal to Ecuador to accept Assange.
CALL TO ACTION: Ask #Ecuador to accept #Assange. Embassy email is: eecugranbretania@mmrree.gob.ecCALL TO ACTION: Ask #Ecuador to accept #Assange. Embassy email is: eecugranbretania@mmrree.gob.ec
— Anonymous (@YourAnonNews) June 19, 2012— Anonymous (@YourAnonNews) June 19, 2012
Assange has legions of online admirers, if not followers, and they're a savvy bunch at spontaneous coordination toward a common goal – like taking down a web site. Will it help him here? Can a network of anonymous supporters intervene in the old world drama of diplomacy and international law playing out around Assange?Assange has legions of online admirers, if not followers, and they're a savvy bunch at spontaneous coordination toward a common goal – like taking down a web site. Will it help him here? Can a network of anonymous supporters intervene in the old world drama of diplomacy and international law playing out around Assange?
9.27pm BST/4.27pm ET: The Ecuadorian embassy, aka 3 Hans Crescent, Flat 3B.9.27pm BST/4.27pm ET: The Ecuadorian embassy, aka 3 Hans Crescent, Flat 3B.
I like to think that #Assange chose the Ecuadorean embassy because it's so convenient for Harrods bit.ly/LcMsNdI like to think that #Assange chose the Ecuadorean embassy because it's so convenient for Harrods bit.ly/LcMsNd
— Stuart Millar (@stuartmillar159) June 19, 2012— Stuart Millar (@stuartmillar159) June 19, 2012
Does it count as foreign soil if the embassy isn't even on the ground floor?Does it count as foreign soil if the embassy isn't even on the ground floor?
9.15pm BST/4.15pm ET: Good afternoon and welcome to our liveblog coverage of Julian Assange's flight from the law. Did the world's most notorious hacker just become an international fugitive? Here's a summary of the latest developments:9.15pm BST/4.15pm ET: Good afternoon and welcome to our liveblog coverage of Julian Assange's flight from the law. Did the world's most notorious hacker just become an international fugitive? Here's a summary of the latest developments:
• Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has sought political asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Assange was to be extradited from Britain to Sweden to face questioning on allegations of sex crimes. Assange was on bail and living with friends before his extradition.• Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has sought political asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Assange was to be extradited from Britain to Sweden to face questioning on allegations of sex crimes. Assange was on bail and living with friends before his extradition.
• Ecuador has announced that it will protect Assange at the embassy while it reviews his asylum request. ""As a signatory to the United Nations Universal Declaration for Human Rights, with an obligation to review all applications for asylum, we have immediately passed his application on to the relevant department in Quito," a statement issued on behalf of the embassy said.• Ecuador has announced that it will protect Assange at the embassy while it reviews his asylum request. ""As a signatory to the United Nations Universal Declaration for Human Rights, with an obligation to review all applications for asylum, we have immediately passed his application on to the relevant department in Quito," a statement issued on behalf of the embassy said.
• Last week the UK supreme court reaffirmed its rejection of Assange's appeal against his extradition, turning down an 11th-hour request to reopen the case.• Last week the UK supreme court reaffirmed its rejection of Assange's appeal against his extradition, turning down an 11th-hour request to reopen the case.