4 ms·
From your question, I take it that you do not believe this is possible. I certainly do. It might be worth further interrogating why you believe that he would no
by andrewla 3y ago
From your question, I take it that you do not believe this is possible. I certainly do. It might be worth further interrogating why you believe that he would not get a fair and impartial trial.
That said, I don't believe that a fair and impartial trail will guarantee an acquittal. But although the national security apparatus is arrayed against him, there's still a judge and a jury and a trial -- this will not be a military tribunal.
The closest comparisons to his situation would be Ellsberg, and less like Manning or Winner, both of whom were employees of the US government. Ellsberg's case was dismissed, and Winer pled guilty; only Manning was convicted at trial.
Being extradited would also be his best chance of being free on bail during trial, although this outcome, despite representing his best chance, is not very likely.
- junto 3y agoI highly doubt it. The trial would be held in Virginia, the home of the CIA, and the jurors likely made up of members of public that most likely have a loose connection to the CIA, even if only geographically (Alexandria is 40 minute drive to Langley). One of the conditions for the appeal is that Assange be granted 1st amendments rights, since the USG had argued that it wouldn’t be relevant because he wasn’t a US citizen, as well as assurances that a death penalty could not be applied in any case. The USG has found the Assange and Snowden cases, and their continuing “limbo” status to be a very effective deterrent to any journalists, especially those who are not US citizens, or whistleblowers, from taking action on USG classified material, regardless of how damning it might be.