Assange could face espionage trial in US ("Informal discussions have already taken place")

[Turborama]

Source: The Independent (UK)

Washington sees chance as WikiLeaks founder is jailed as battle begins to prevent extradition over sex charges

By Kim Sengupta, Diplomatic Correspondent
Wednesday, December 08 2010

Informal discussions have already taken place between US and Swedish officials over the possibility of the WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange being delivered into American custody, according to diplomatic sources.

Mr Assange is in a British jail awaiting extradition proceedings to Sweden after being refused bail at Westminster Magistrates’ Court despite a number of prominent public figures offering to stand as surety.

His arrest in north London yesterday was described by the US Defence Secretary Robert Gates as “good news”, and may pave the way for extradition to America and a possible lengthy jail sentence.

The US Justice Department is considering charging Mr Assange with espionage offences over his website’s unprecedented release of classified US diplomatic files. Several right-wing American politicians are pressing for his prosecution and even execution, with Sarah Palin, the former vice-presidential candidate, saying he should be pursued the same as al-Qa’ida and Taliban leaders.


Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/assange-could-face-espionage-trial-in-us-2154107.html

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Assange wanted by US for 'espionage offences'

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Asher Moses
December 8, 2010 - 4:35PM

As critics protest against the "shonky" way WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been denied his freedom, diplomatic sources have reportedly revealed informal talks are under way for him to be transferred into US custody.

US and Swedish officials have already discussed the possibility of Mr Assange being delivered into the hands of US law enforcement to face potential charges over "espionage offences", Britain's The Independent reported, citing "diplomatic sources".

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Mr Assange's mother, Christine, who runs a puppet theatre in Queensland, speaking to The Sunshine Coast Daily, http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2010/12/08/mum-speaks-out-wikileaks-chief/">said she was worried her son would not get a fair trial.

"There's no fair play here," she said. "My son has come forward of his own free will to face the charges against him and they have put him in the ring with his hands tied behind his back."

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/driven-to-dissent--like-father-like-son-20101204-18kpr.html">Mr Assange's son Daniel has called for his father to be treated "fairly and apolitically" following his arrest in Britain last night.

Full article: http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/assange-wanted-by-us-for-espionage-offences-20101208-18ouj.html?from=smh_sb