Index on Censorship responds to Julian Assange allegations
18 Nov 2010
A Swedish prosecutor today requested that Julian Assange, founder of the Wikileaks whistleblower website, be detained for interrogation concerning a re-opened sexual assault investigation. The application could lead to an international arrest warrant.
Assange denies accusations of rape, sexual molestation and unlawful coercion, which surfaced shortly after the website released the Afghanistan War Logs, containing thousands of leaked US military incident reports.
Index on Censorship trustee Mark Stephens, who is Assange’s lawyer, commented: “The behaviour of the investigators has been bizarre. I’ve never seen anything like it in 30 years of legal practice. We haven’t been able to answer the specifics of the smear because the investigators won’t detail the allegations and they haven’t responded to Mr Assange’s voluntary offers of interview.”
Index on Censorship chief executive John Kampfner said: “While we cannot comment on the specifics of the case, we are extremely concerned at the apparent conduct of the investigators. Anyone concerned about free speech and human rights will be alarmed at any suggestion that the allegations against Mr Assange are being manipulated for political purposes.”
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Howard
It is VERY suspicious that such allegations were timed as they were to coincide with Wikileaks disclosures of US and UK military-related documents. Smear tactics are classic bullying/psychological pressure techniques engaged in by governments and other large organizations.
I hope that Julian Assange manages to find a country that will offer him political asylum, but I would encourage him to take any such offers as potentially subject to revocation under pressure.
Wikileaks has performed a vital service to humanity, that must not be allowed to be thwarted.
nb
Julian is the true hero of our time. It breaks my heart to see him persecuted like this. Humanity, corrupted as it has become, needs people like him more than ever. He is irreplaceable.
Karl Pfeifer
“A Swedish court today approved a request by prosecutors to detain Assange for questioning on suspicion of rape, sexual molestation and unlawful coercion.” Guardian 18.11.2010
It is natural that for a lawyer to declare his client innocent. Usually one can rely on a court of a democratic neutral country like Sweden.
Does Mr. Stephens or Index on Censorship have evidence that the Swedish court is a tool of a foreign country?
Andy M
“Anyone concerned about free speech and human rights will be alarmed at any suggestion that the allegations against Mr Assange are being manipulated for political purposes.”
Who is suggesting this, and where is the evidence?