Julian Assange Appears in Court for U.S. Extradition Hearing • Hacker News Board

Re: Julian Assange Appears in Court for U.S. Extradition Hearing

#31

Post by threwawasy1228 » Thu, May 02, 2019, 3:38 PM UTC

idlewords wrote: post #7

setquk wrote: post #2

It’s amazing that the state moves so quickly when someone operates against its interests.

The right to a speedy trial is a provision that safeguards individual liberty, not proof of the crushing might of the state.

Last time I was arrested it took 2 years of going to court once every 2 months, saying that there is no movement on my case before it was straightened out. This all for a very minor offense that I happily plead guilty to after the lawyers had sorted everything out. I could have just as easily plead guilty and paid all my fees on day one if the legal system in the US actually functioned.

Re: Julian Assange Appears in Court for U.S. Extradition Hearing

#32

Post by danso » Thu, May 02, 2019, 3:38 PM UTC

setquk wrote: post #2

It’s amazing that the state moves so quickly when someone operates against its interests.

Not necessarily disagreeing with you, but this doesn't seem to be a compelling example. He's in an extradition hearing for something that happened 9 years ago, and the article says "the extradition process could take years".

Re: Julian Assange Appears in Court for U.S. Extradition Hearing

#33

Post by mavdi » Thu, May 02, 2019, 3:38 PM UTC

resters wrote: post #3

Keep in mind all the crimes by US officials that Assange revealed. In my view many of those crimes committed by officials are treason, yet all have been swept under the rug.

None of the things he revealed can be classified as treason. War crimes maybe, treason no way. I also wonder why he never revealed any of Russia's alleged crimes in Ukraine or Syria. Just a thought.

Re: Julian Assange Appears in Court for U.S. Extradition Hearing

#34

Post by TremendousJudge » Thu, May 02, 2019, 3:38 PM UTC

Veen wrote: post #17

resters wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I’d have no problem with Assange being punished if the other journalists were, or if the government officials were.

Assange is accused of a crime. Should he be forgiven because some other people are also accused of crimes?

In this case there's a bit of a conflict of interest, considering that he was the one who showed that the government accusing him committed crimes

Re: Julian Assange Appears in Court for U.S. Extradition Hearing

#35

Post by atemerev » Thu, May 02, 2019, 3:38 PM UTC

resters wrote: post #3

Keep in mind all the crimes by US officials that Assange revealed. In my view many of those crimes committed by officials are treason, yet all have been swept under the rug.

Which of his crimes looks like treason? He didn’t hack anything, his only “crime” is providing a publishing outlet.

(And yes, Assange is highly biased and anti-American, which is not good, but publishing leaks shouldn’t be a crime.)

Re: Julian Assange Appears in Court for U.S. Extradition Hearing

#36

Post by tdcbfdct3 » Thu, May 02, 2019, 3:38 PM UTC

resters wrote: post #3

Keep in mind all the crimes by US officials that Assange revealed. In my view many of those crimes committed by officials are treason, yet all have been swept under the rug.

I'm having trouble finding any on The Hague's website

https://www.icc-cpi.int/Pages/cases.aspx

Re: Julian Assange Appears in Court for U.S. Extradition Hearing

#37

Post by akhilcacharya » Thu, May 02, 2019, 3:38 PM UTC

alwaysanagenda wrote: post #24

resters wrote: post #3

Keep in mind all the crimes by US officials that Assange revealed. In my view many of those crimes committed by officials are treason, yet all have been swept under the rug.

He's the only one who could testify about the truth behind the DNC leak (Seth Rich) and the Podesta e-mails (phished). Neither were 'hacked' by the Russians. With the Mueller investigation effectively over, it's time to turn the tables. Assange is a valuable asset in this endeavor.

You mean the investigation that proved that Assange attempted to weaponize the grief of a family for the gain of Russian political interests? That investigation?

Re: Julian Assange Appears in Court for U.S. Extradition Hearing

#38

Post by ekianjo » Thu, May 02, 2019, 3:38 PM UTC

> Around two dozen activists gathered outside the court to protest against his potential extradition, waving signs that read “Free Julian Assange” and “Is this all just about shutting us all up?” as they demanded his release.

That's not a very impressive show-up. I had hoped he would get more support than a few dozen people.

Re: Julian Assange Appears in Court for U.S. Extradition Hearing

#39

Post by akhilcacharya » Thu, May 02, 2019, 3:39 PM UTC

e1ven wrote: post #27

alwaysanagenda wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

He's the only one who could testify about the truth behind the DNC leak (Seth Rich) and the Podesta e-mails (phished). Neither were 'hacked' by the Russians. With the Mueller investigation effectively over, it's time to turn the tables. Assange is a valuable asset in this endeavor.

You realize you sound pretty far out-of-mainstream when you say things like that, right?

In fairness to OP, this is effectively the Sean Hannity line so I wouldn't say it's "out of the mainstream" anymore.

Re: Julian Assange Appears in Court for U.S. Extradition Hearing

#40

Post by Veen » Thu, May 02, 2019, 3:39 PM UTC

resters wrote: post #25

danso wrote: post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The Iraq War leak suggested war crimes, but not treason IIRC: https://www.wired.com/2010/10/wikileaks-press/

Lying about the war crimes was treason in my view

Your view is irrelevant unless you can change the law.