I think that, even if they didn't expect a yes, this is mostly a way to give them ammo later on in the process. Make them say "No", then later on you can use th

I think that, even if they didn't expect a yes, this is mostly a way to give them ammo later on in the process. Make them say "No", then later on you can use the fact that they said "No" to claim they didn't follow due process. Especially if Assange ends up in the hospital with CV19. Then you can say, "See! They violated his rights!"