(2020-02-26). Assange detention illegal under English, European and international law, defense argues. rt.com 
Day three of the Julian Assange extradition hearing is focusing on whether the allegations against Assange amount to "political offenses." If so, it would likely be outside of the judge's jurisdiction to approve extradition. | Kicking off proceedings at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday, defense counsel Edward Fitzgerald argued that 17 of the 18 counts with which the WikiLeaks founder has been charged fall under the US Espionage Act, which makes them political on face value. He added that the 18th count, of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, was in order to carry out the other alleged offenses. | Also on…
(2020-02-26). 'Just leave': Afghanistan withdrawal is no-brainer, but 'deep state' controls US foreign policy, says ex-Virginia lawmaker. rt.com 
A truce between US troops and the Taliban in Afghanistan could result in American forces finally exiting the country, but there are powerful interests that want the war to continue, former Virginia senator Richard Black told RT. | The week-long ceasefire agreement between the two foes appears to be holding, and could pave the way for further negotiations that could lead to a withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan — some 20 years after the US invasion in October 2001. But pulling out from the country is far easier than Washington makes it seem, Black, a retired state lawmaker and veteran, told RT America…
(2020-02-26). SEP US presidential candidate Joseph Kishore: "Free Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning!" wsws.org The Socialist Equality Party opposes Assange's extradition to the United States. We demand immediate freedom for Assange and for whistleblower Chelsea Manning.
(2020-02-26). Julian Assange Against the Imperium: Day Two of Extradition Hearings. globalresearch.ca The second day of extradition hearings against Julian Assange and by virtue of that, WikiLeaks, saw Mark Summers QC deliver a formidable serve for the defence at Woolwich Crown Court. "It's difficult to conceive of a clearer example of an …
(2020-02-26). With Wikileaks, Julian Assange Did What All Journalists Should Do. counterpunch.org I was in Kabul in 2010 when Julian Assange and WikiLeaks first released a vast archive of classified US government documents, revealing what Washington really knew about what was happening in the world. I was particularly interested in one of these disclosures which came in the shape of a video that the Pentagon had refused to release despite
(2020-02-26). Persecuted journalist Assange handcuffed, stripped naked on first day of extradition trial. wsws.org As proceedings were due to begin, a court official told WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson that he was barred from the public gallery.
(2020-02-26). Russiagate: The Toxic Gift That Keeps on Giving. counterpunch.org All smears are boomerang smears. That is why anyone worth a damn does not engage in it. That goes for the Russia-Gaters, the left/right smears on Gabbard, the years of left/right smears on Assange, the attacks on the Green Party and now the Russia narrative attacks on Sanders. Falling into line with the secret police
(2020-02-26). SEG (New Zealand) rally in Wellington demands freedom for Assange and Manning. wsws.org Speakers denounced the persecution of the WikiLeaks founder and the whistleblower, Chelsea Manning, who are both in prison and being psychologically tortured for revealing US war crimes.
(2020-02-26). Assange's Extradition Hearing Reveals Trump's War on Free Press Is Targeting WikiLeaks Publisher. counterpunch.org On Monday, WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange's one-week extradition hearing began at Woolwich Crown Court in SouthEast London. The judge heard the opening arguments for the prosecution and defense. The prosecution began, accusing the journalist who exposed the US government's war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan of espionage charges that would carry 175 years in jail.
(2020-02-26). Julian Assange and the Imperium's Face: Day One of the Extradition Hearings. counterpunch.org If we are to believe it, Julian Assange of WikiLeaks, the man behind showing the ugliness of power, is the one responsible for having abused it. It is a running theme in the US case against this Australian publisher, who has been given the coating of common criminality hiding the obvious point: that the mission
(2020-02-26). SF Demands Free Julian Assange & Goes Into UK Consulate Building Lobby. indybay.org As part of world day of action to Free Julian Assange activists rallied in San Francisco and then briefly occupied the UK building lobby.
(2020-02-26). Vanderbilt oligarch heir Anderson Cooper worked at CIA in college. thegrayzone.com CNN and 60 Minutes host Anderson Cooper, who red-baited Bernie Sanders over old comments praising Fidel Castro's literacy program, worked…
(2020-02-26). Anti-Russian Xenophobia Reaches Ridiculous Levels. counterpunch.org Following his resounding defeat in Nevada in the Democratic Party Caucus, Joe Biden blamed the Russians, telling CBS News that the "Russians don't want me to be the nominee, they like Bernie." The intelligence communities a few days earlier accused Russia of favoring Bernie Sanders and Donald J. Trump. Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic Party
(2020-02-26). Heaven Protect Us From Men Who Live the Illusion of Danger: Pete Buttigieg and the US Military. counterpunch.org #CIAPete has been trending on social media this past month as stories and commentaries have emerged telling and re-telling Pete Buttigieg's role as a naval intelligence officer in Afghanistan, his duties in his assignment in Kabul as a member of the Afghan Threat Finance Cell, and his relationship to CIA colleagues. This would be all rather amusing and just another dust speck of non-sense in the vast universe of inanity that is the US presidential race, if it were not for Buttigieg's own use of his time in uniform and in Afghanistan as a cudgel to silence others from both an informed and moral perspective on issu…
(2020-02-26). How the US Intelligence Community is Interfering in the 2020 Elections. counterpunch.org President Trump's ongoing purge of the intelligence community, along with Bernie Sanders' surge in the Democratic presidential race, has triggered an unprecedented intervention of U.S. intelligence agencies in the U.S. presidential election on factually dubious grounds. Former CIA director John Brennan sees a "full-blown national security crisis" in President Trump's latest moves against the intelligence
(2020-02-26). US Supreme Court grants border police a license to kill. wsws.org The latest 5-4 ruling by the Supreme Court follows a series of anti-immigrant court rulings and provocations by the Trump administration.
(2020-02-26). Assange Hearing: Judge Rejects Plea to Intervene Against Mistreatment of Assange by Prison Officials. sputniknews.com Julian Assange's lawyers have repeatedly submitted unsuccessful requests to the Judge on his case, over the past few months, for her to intervene over his prison conditions, which have included denying Assange proper access to his case file.
(2020-02-25). Assange lawyer brings up claim US mulled 'kidnapping and poisoning' of publisher — here's what we know. rt.com 
The US government plotted to kidnap or kill Julian Assange while he was holed up at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, a UK court was told yesterday during the WikiLeaks publisher's extradition hearing. What do we know so far? | Assange's lawyer Edward Fitzgerald told Judge Vanessa Baraitser that the US wanted to make the WikiLeaks founder's death look like an accident and that US intelligence agencies worked with Spanish company UC Global to extensively spy on Assange inside the embassy. | 'Extreme measures considered': | Fitzgerald claimed that recordings were collected every 14 days and handed over t…
(2020-02-25). Trump says Russian interference 'highly exaggerated', blames Adam Schiff for leaking report. rt.com 
President Donald Trump has called reports that Russia is interfering with the 2020 election "highly exaggerated," and blamed the rumor on House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff. | The specter of 'Russian interference' raised its head again last week, when the Washington Post ran an article claiming the Kremlin is interfering in the upcoming presidential election on behalf of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, with the ultimate goal of getting Trump re-elected. The story provided no specifics on what form the supposed interference took, but claimed that Sanders and Trump had both been briefed on the thr…
(2020-02-25). With Grenell Appointment, the Israel Lobby's Foothold on US Intelligence Grows Even Stronger. mintpressnews.com 
With Richard Grenell now overseeing all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies, Israel's influence over the U.S. intelligence community has reached new and troubling heights.
(2020-02-25). Gilets Jaunes travel to London in force for Julian Assange extradition hearing. thecanary.co On 23 February, 143 French activists travelled from Paris to Not deterred: | It was a cold and miserable night in Paris, and the coaches were running late. But the group of French activists — many of whom are also Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) — were not deterred. | As the rain picked up, they stayed outside with their guitars and megaphones, giving interviews to the international…
(2020-02-25). Assange's Extradition Hearing Reveals Trump's War on Free Press Is Targeting WikiLeaks Publisher. commondreams.org A supporter of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange wears a sign reading 'Don't shoot the messenger' while she demonstrates outside Woolwich Crown Court prior to his extradition hearing on February 25, 2020 in London, England. Assange is wanted by the United States on charges related to the publication of classified US military documents and faces a possible maximum 175-year prison sentence. (Photo: Peter Summers/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/dont_shoot_the_messenger.jpg …
(2020-02-25). Your Man in the Public Gallery — Assange Hearing Day One. globalresearch.ca Woolwich Crown Court is designed to impose the power of the state. Normal courts in this country are public buildings, deliberately placed by our ancestors right in the centre of towns, almost always just up a few steps from a …
(2020-02-25). As Assange's trial begins, his lawyers highlight risk of extradition with CIA spying operation's 'extreme measures'. thegrayzone.com Assange's lawyers pointed to CIA surveillance by a Sheldon Adelson-backed private contractor and the Trump administration's public contempt for the…
(2020-02-25). Headlines for February 25, 2020. democracynow.org Harvey Weinstein Found Guilty of Rape, 2020 Democratic Candidates Gear Up for Debate as More Damning Comments by Bloomberg Surface, Bernie Sanders Defends Praise for Fidel Castro's Literacy Program, Protests in India Kill At Least 7 as Trump Continues Visit, Former Egyptian Dictator Hosni Mubarak Dies, U.K. Court Opens Deliberations on Julian Assange's Extradition Case, As Coronavirus Spreads Around the Globe, White House Requests Emergency Funding, China Sentences Bookseller Critical of Chinese Government to 10 Years in Prison, Clashes Between Haitian Police and Soldiers Leave One Dead as Anti-Gov't Protests Rag…
(2020-02-25). New Conflict of Interest Evidence Against UK Judge in Charge of Assange Extradition Process. globalresearch.ca Information has come to light demonstrating that the chief magistrate overseeing the extradition proceedings against Julian Assange received financial benefits from organizations with close ties to the UK Foreign Office prior to her appointment. | According to a
(2020-02-25). Trump's Betrayal of Julian Assange. globalresearch.ca One thing we've learned from the Trump Presidency is that the "deep state" is not just some crazy conspiracy theory. For the past three years we've seen that deep state launch plot after plot to overturn the election. | It all …
(2020-02-25). We're Asking One Question in Assange's Case: Should Journalists be Punished for Exposing War Crimes? globalresearch.ca Tomorrow in the UK a judge will start the process of answering a very important question. It's a question that many of us knew was the heart of this debate back in 2010, ten years ago, when this all started. …
(2020-02-25). Intelligence Officials Sow Discord by Stoking Fear of Russian Election Meddling. globalresearch.ca Another presidential election year is upon us, and the intelligence agencies are hard at work stoking fears of Russian meddling. This time it looks like the Russians do not only like the incumbent president but also favor who appears to …
(2020-02-25). US Top Court Dismisses Lawsuit Over Shooting of Mexican Teen. telesurenglish.net The United States Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit against a Border Patrol agent for fatally shooting a 15-year-old Mexican boy on Mexican soil from across the border in Texas. | RELATED: | The court voted five to four to uphold the dismissal already exercised by a lower court in the lawsuit against the agent Jesus Mesa, who was standing on the U.S. side of the border when he shot Sergio Adrian Hernande…
(2020-02-25). Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Condemns Trump's Call for Supreme Court Recusals. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2020-02-25). Selected Articles: Assange's Extradition Hearing. globalresearch.ca 
By Woolwich Crown Court, which hosts Belmarsh Magistrates Court, is built on totally the opposite principle. It is designed with no other purpose …
(2020-02-24). Julian Assange supporters protest outside court ahead of extradition hearing. thecanary.co 
Supporters of Julian Assange have gathered outside court as the WikiLeaks founder begins his fight against extradition to the US, where he is accused of helping to leak hundreds of thousands of classified documents.Demonstrators, including Assange's father John Shipton, arrived at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, with some holding placards calling for his immediate release.Some said they had arrived as early as 6am, with signs reading: "Don't shoot the messenger, free Assange" and "Free Julian Assange, Nobel Peace Prize nominee". Tents were erected on nearby grass.John Shipton, the father of Julian Assange, speaks…
(2020-02-24). At least they'll have an off switch: Pentagon adopts 'AI Ethical Principles' for its killer robots. rt.com 
As the United States looks to develop artificial intelligence weapons to keep up with Russia and China, the Pentagon has adopted a set of guidelines that it says will keep its killer androids under human control. | The Department of Defense adopted a set of "Ethical Principles for Artificial Intelligence" on Monday, following the recommendations by the Defense Innovation Board last October. | "AI technology will change much about the battlefield of the future, but nothing will change America's steadfast commitment to responsible and lawful behavior," Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement. | Also on…
(2020-02-24). Assange Extradition Hearing Opens with Scathing Condemnation by Mainstream Media. mintpressnews.com The extradition trial of Julian Assange began with the prosecution reading out a damning statement from five leading mainstream media organizations that once partnered with Wikileaks.
(2020-02-24). Julian Assange extradition hearing sees US attack bravery, press freedom. thegrayzone.com As Julian Assange's US extradition hearing begins in London, Randy Credico on the targeting and demonization of the Wikileaks publisher….
(2020-02-24). From Being Tortured in Sri Lanka to the U.S. Supreme Court. aclu.org 
On a frigid day in early February, Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam | stands under an awning on a street corner in lower Manhattan along with one of | his attorneys, Celso Perez of the ACLU. Both are bundled in heavy winter | jackets. Perez is holding his phone up and squinting as he concentrates on the | tinny voice of a translator emanating from its speaker. | "I want them to be aware that you're traveling," Perez says | into the phone. | The voice on the other line translates what Perez said into | Tamil, the native language of Sri Lanka's largest ethnic minority. Thuraissigiam, | heavyset in his late 40s with a…
(2020-02-23). Julian Assange "Stop Extradition Protest" in London. dissidentvoice.org This video documents the protest that took place in London on the 22nd of February 2020 to stop the extradition of Julian Assange. This protest was organised by the "Don't Extradite Assange Campaign." | CORRECTION IN VIDEO AT 00: 14: " … and 1 count of conspiracy 'to commit computer intrusion.'"
(2020-02-23). Trudeau's Demand: "the barricades must come down" dissidentvoice.org 
Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau has called the imbroglio between the Wet'suwet'en nation and Canada a matter to be decided by the rule of law.1 However, the Wet'suwet'en have refused to back down and have defied the British Columbia Supreme Court injunction allowing pipeline work to continue. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were sent …
(2020-02-22). How Bernie Sanders Will Destroy the Deep State if He Becomes President. dissidentvoice.org 
Joe Lauria at Consortium News headlined on February 21st, "Apparent US Intel Meddling in US Election With 'Report' Russia is Aiding Sanders", and he noted that, If the story is true and if intelligence agencies are truly committed to protecting U.S. citizens, the Sanders campaign would have been quietly informed and shown evidence to back …
(2020-02-21). New push on cyber 'security' laws. greenleft.org.au 
(2020-02-20). Headlines for February 20, 2020. democracynow.org Democratic Contenders Take Aim at Billionaire Michael Bloomberg in Nevada Debate, Protesters Interrupt Nevada Debate to Demand Immigration Discussion, Michael Bloomberg Made Transphobic Remarks in 2019, Bloomberg Campaign NDAs Could Prevent Reporting of Abuses, U.N. Warns of Unfolding Humanitarian Catastrophe in Syria's Idlib, German Far-Right Gunman Kills 10 in Frankfurt Suburb, China Expels Wall Street Journal Reporters over "Racist" Op-Ed, Trump Taps Ally Richard Grenell as Director of National Intelligence, As Roger Stone Faces Sentencing in Federal Court, Trump Hints at Pardon, Julian Assange's Lawyers: Trum…
(2020-02-20). The Supreme Court Will Decide Whether Asylum Seekers Receive Their Day in Court. aclu.org In March, we will be in front of the U.S. Supreme Court to defend the right to a day in court for asylum seekers and other vulnerable noncitizens. That decision w…
(2020-02-20). Barrister says 'democracy at stake' in Assange trial. greenleft.org.au 
(2020-02-18). Journalist: Harvey Weinstein's Defense Team Is Waging a War Against the #MeToo Movement. democracynow.org 
A jury of seven men and five women meet today in New York Supreme Court to begin deliberations on whether to find disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein guilty of sexual assault. The case has drawn international attention amid the #MeToo movement. If the jurors find Weinstein guilty, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Weinstein has been accused of sexual misconduct by more than 100 women but in this case faces five charges based on evidence relating to two main accusers. One woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, alleges she was raped by Weinstein in a New York hotel, for which he has been charged wit…
(2020-02-17). DOJ Investigating Former CIA Director's Role in Russiagate. theantimedia.com The Justice Department is investigating the role of John Brennan in the assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 election.
(2020-01-17). Chip Gibbons on FBI vs. 1st Amendment. fair.org 
Media…