News Arrest warrant issued for Wikileaks founder, for sex crimes

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Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, has been placed on Interpol's wanted list due to an arrest warrant issued by Swedish authorities for alleged sexual crimes, including rape and coercion. This development follows the release of a significant cache of U.S. diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks, raising speculation about the motivations behind the charges. Assange's legal team claims he is not being charged with rape but rather with lesser offenses, such as "sex by surprise." The situation has sparked debates about the legitimacy of the charges and the timing, with some suggesting it may be an attempt to silence him amid his whistleblowing activities. As Assange seeks asylum, the implications of these allegations on his future and WikiLeaks remain uncertain.
  • #51


humanino said:
Well, thank you for attempting to clarify what this means, but as a matter of fact I already know that. You are trying to dismiss my argument by claiming that I believe interpol staff arrest people ?

Your whole post was about Interpol 'going after him' this is false. Interpol is not after him Sweden is. That was the whole point I was making, you said something false I corrected it I wasn't dismissing what you said at all about is the Red notice acceptable based on the charges in Sweden and I never said I was soooooooo where you going with this?

It's good you know that by the way.
 
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  • #52


zomgwtf said:
...
Then thank you for correcting mistake, and clarifying what the standard procedure is. I still remain concerned about the "diplomacy deals" behind this procedure, and I still think there is a double standard here. If it is not acceptable to release classified/private mails potentially harmful, neither is it acceptable that precisely what Assange is trying to fight is being used against him and the whole majority of news agencies do not report it.
 
  • #53


humanino said:
Well, thank you for attempting to clarify what this means, but as a matter of fact I already know that. You are trying to dismiss my argument by claiming that I believe interpol staff arrest people ?

Now to just to dismiss your argument I would like for you to support the claim that INTERPOL is not a tool to be used by member nations in the apprehension of wanted persons otherwise known as fugitives.

Based on what I said before about it not being INTERPOL who is after Assange but Sweden it becomes clear that what you said is false.

The persons concerned are wanted by national jurisdictions (or the International Criminal Tribunals, where appropriate) and Interpol's role is to assist the national police forces in identifying or locating those persons with a view to their arrest and extradition.
Specifically the part about Interpol's role. Assange is a fugitive wanted by Sweden, Interpol's job is to help Sweden get him to their country. Precisely what they are doing right now.

Unless of course you have something to quote to support your claim that they don't issue wanted red notices for persons unless it has to do with child molestation or whatever you were going on about.
 
  • #54
I said that I searched on interpol website what justifies the red notice for Assange, and I have failed. It may be that it is there, but I just did not find it. In that case, I would appreciate help. However, I think I put reasonable efforts into trying to find what the justification is. He is not a child molester. Was there ever a rapist on red notice by interpol ? I think not.

Maybe http://www.interpol.int/Public/FinancialCrime/IntellectualProperty/Default.asp could justify the red notice, but then let the red notice be about intellectual property, not rape. In any case, if somebody thinks they know what justifies or could justify his red notice according to interpol guidelines, please let them help me !
 
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  • #55
humanino said:
I said that I searched on interpol website what justifies the red notice for Assange, and I have failed. It may be that it is there, but I just did not find it. In that case, I would appreciate help. However, I think I put reasonable efforts into trying to find what the justification is. He is not a child molester. Was there ever a rapist on red notice by interpol ? I think not.

Maybe http://www.interpol.int/Public/FinancialCrime/IntellectualProperty/Default.asp could justify the red notice, but then let the red notice be about intellectual property, not rape. In any case, if somebody thinks they know what justifies or could justify his red notice according to interpol guidelines, please let them help me !

Go to 'Fugitives' section of the website and then go to WANTED. That's what the red notice on Assange is issued for. It has nothing really to do with the crime commited but the fact that he is a fugitive of Sweden.

Now it's a whole other ball park whether or not this is the real reason behind Sweden apprehending Assange or not. I tend to think it is since America is still looking into it's legal abilities at apprehending Assange right?
 
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  • #56


zomgwtf said:
Go to 'Fugitives' section of the website and then go to WANTED. That's what the red notice on Assange is issued for. It has nothing really to do with the crime commited but the fact that he is a fugitive of Sweden.
Well, I had already looked in there. And I searched many examples, but none I could find compares. This is simply preposterous that they use interpol to be after him for those charges. Assange was in contact with the prosecutrix and suggested several times that they either meet at the swedish embassy in the UK, by teleconference, or at the local police. It is not like he refuses any cooperation or was hiding before.
zomgwtf said:
Now it's a whole other ball park whether or not this is the real reason behind Sweden apprehending Assange or not. I tend to think it is since America is still looking into it's legal abilities at apprehending Assange right?
If I were convinced the two are unrelated, I would be more comfortable with the red notice. I am not even saying there should not be a red notice. I am just saying not for the current charges (alleged "rape", about which he was willing to cooperate).
 
  • #57
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101204/ap_on_hi_te/wikileaks" ...

And kudos to PayPal for doing the right thing.
 
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  • #58
Gokul43201 said:
If unscrupulous diplomats make shady deals with corrupt officials...

Is that the case, or is the sausage making just ugly? I keep thinking this is just a case where nobody wants to hear the truth about the nature of politics and diplomacy.

I don't know the details of all information released. What I have heard about didn't strike me as unusual or irregular.
 
  • #59
Ivan Seeking said:
Is that the case, or is the sausage making just ugly? I keep thinking this is just a case where nobody wants to hear the truth about the nature of politics and diplomacy.

I don't know the details of all information released. What I have heard about didn't strike me as unusual or irregular.

I've moved my response here:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=3020144&postcount=189

It seemed more appropriate in that thread.
 
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  • #60
http://news.oneindia.in/2010/12/07/...+oneindia-news-india+(Oneindia+-+News+India+)

Swedish warrant arrives; UK to arrest Assange

The arrest warrant issued by the Swedish court has been submitted to the Scotland Yard on Monday, Dec 6. European media reported that Assange will be held soon. It is expected that British authorities may handover Assange to Sweden over the rape allegations made by two Swedish women.
 
  • #61
Ivan Seeking said:
Is that the case, or is the sausage making just ugly? I keep thinking this is just a case where nobody wants to hear the truth about the nature of politics and diplomacy.

I don't know the details of all information released. What I have heard about didn't strike me as unusual or irregular.

Many, many things revealed would be crimes, or things that raise suspicion of crimes.
 
  • #62
There is of course the insurance policy which the government is very worried about; namely that if anything happens to him, he has threatened to release an encryption key for an extremely damaging document dump.
 
  • #63
Galteeth said:
There is of course the insurance policy which the government is very worried about; namely that if anything happens to him, he has threatened to release an encryption key for an extremely damaging document dump.

Yes, that is a very interesting choice of insurance policies. If a country or organization wants to see that information, all they have to do is kill Assange?

Fortunately for Assange, he was arrested in London this morning.
 
  • #64
In court this afternoon (GMT). Going to be a good show.
 
  • #65
Blackmail is on par with any information he might be holding - IMO.
 
  • #66
hmmm it seems it's more than just a rape allegation but four.

She said the first complainant, Miss A, said she was victim of "unlawful coercion" on the night of 14 August in Stockholm.

The court heard Assange is accused of using his body weight to hold her down in a sexual manner.

The second charge alleged Assange "sexually molested" Miss A by having sex with her without a condom when it was her "express wish" one should be used.

The third charge claimed Assange "deliberately molested" Miss A on 18 August "in a way designed to violate her sexual integrity".

The fourth charge accused Assange of having sex with a second woman, Miss W, on 17 August without a condom while she was asleep at her Stockholm home.
Two different girls four different allegations I believe 3 separate occassions. This is pretty serious if you ask me.
 
  • #67
BobG said:
Yes, that is a very interesting choice of insurance policies. If a country or organization wants to see that information, all they have to do is kill Assange?
You may not understand the logic because you do not understand his point of view. He obviously dedicated his life and became passionate to the point where he is not reasonable anymore. From this point of view, it does make sense (at least it may make sense to him) that if his life were to be terminated, he would at least want the insurance that the information is not lost. I think it is pretty clear that he has extreme ideologies.
 
  • #68
zomgwtf said:
hmmm it seems it's more than just a rape allegation but four.

Two different girls four different allegations I believe 3 separate occassions. This is pretty serious if you ask me.
The quote does not match the transcript I have seen. Can you please indicate where this quote comes from ?
 
  • #69
humanino said:
The quote does not match the transcript I have seen. Can you please indicate where this quote comes from ?

The quote is from the live feed at the Guardian.co.uk website. It's attributed to Gemma Linfield 'for the Swedish authorities.'

EDIT:
Actual I just google searched for the full quote and found articles. A lot all dated for today:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/dec/07/julian-assange-refused-bail-over-rape-allegations

This is the one from the Guardian.
 
  • #70
I'm interested in the source too, not that I have any reason to not believe it.

From what I read (although I think this was from Assange's lawyer) the two women maintained good relations with Assange after the alleged incidents had taken place, and until they found out about the other's existence. That was when they pressed charges.

Edit: Here's the link: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/11/18/assange_detain_sweden/

And the quote:
Both women have declared that they had consensual sexual relations with our client and that they continued to instigate friendly contact well after the alleged incidents. Only after the women became aware of each other’s relationships with Mr. Assange did they make their allegations against him.
Whether it's true or not, I don't know, but I imagine that's just a matter of checking the records.
 
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  • #71
Gokul43201 said:
I'm interested in the source too, not that I have any reason to not believe it.

From what I read (although I think this was from Assange's lawyer) the two women maintained good relations with Assange after the alleged incidents had taken place, and until they found out about the other's existence. That was when they pressed charges.

Edit: Here's the link: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/11/18/assange_detain_sweden/

And the quote:Whether it's true or not, I don't know, but I imagine that's just a matter of checking the records.

So it's a statement from his people saying that he didn't rape them but they both were in good relations after the event until after they found out about each other. This is likely but it's also not surprising that he would say he didn't rape the girls... is it? This is why he needs to be arrested evidence brought forth and go through the proper process. Just because you say you're innocent doesn't mean you get to run away from the law.
 
  • #72
I don't have an opinion on whether or not he should be arrested. I'm not privy to the level of information that would allow me to take a position on that. But given the sequence and confluence of events, I believe there's reason to be suspicious of the way things are proceeding.
 
  • #73
Gokul43201 said:
I don't have an opinion on whether or not he should be arrested. I'm not privy to the level of information that would allow me to take a position on that. But given the sequence and confluence of events, I believe there's reason to be suspicious of the way things are proceeding.

Perhaps but the only way to know is as things unfold in the case right?

I tend to think it's less suspicious based on the fact that these two girls are just regular people. They aren't government officials and I'm not sure that the government would trust them in a conspiracy against Assange. I mean 'keep quiet say he raped you and we'll give you money'... but all it would take is for one person to speak out that is part of this case. I lean more towards the rape allegations are a separate event and hope that Sweden is just following through based on the popularity that Assange has gained.

I don't think it would look good on the Swedish legal system if two girls came alleging rape and they didn't invetigate properly. (based on how famous Assange is)

BTW, I posted the source for that quote from before above, you posted right after so I'm not sure if you noticed it.
 
  • #74
Yes, I saw it after I posted. I guess I'd have been a lot less suspicious if the case hadn't first been dismissed by the lead prosecutor, before being reopened a week later, with no new charges. But yes, we won't know until events pan out.
 
  • #75
  • #76
zomgwtf said:
hmmm it seems it's more than just a rape allegation but four.

Two different girls four different allegations I believe 3 separate occassions. This is pretty serious if you ask me.

Who knows? Might be. Might not be. http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/assange-rape-accuser-cia-ties/" , including that at least one of the girls texted and tweeted about her conquest. Then came questions of a possible CIA link. Then chaos and confusion.

Perhaps that's by design of Assange's lawyers. Perhaps it's by design of one or more of the governments whose classified info was leaked. Perhaps it's merely the natural order of things, entropy doing it's worst during times of a heated issue, with emotions running high on most sides.

We can't really know, at this point, as we're on the outside.

In the meantime, as time goes by, at least some of the truth will come out in the wash. My viewpoint as a retired veteran is that Assange, who is undeniably known to have released damaging, classified information into the public domain, is off the streets, at least for the time being, and in my book, that's a good thing.

My sole hope is that ultimately, the truth will out and justice will prevail based on the truth, not any of the rampant smear campaigns.
 
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  • #77
mugaliens said:
My sole hope is that ultimately, the truth will out and justice will prevail based on the truth, not any of the rampant smear campaigns.

That would be hard to imagine.
 
  • #78
CRGreathouse said:
That would be hard to imagine.
Agreed. Assange has already been pilloried and publicly smeared in the press, without a single hearing or trial. Even if the charges against him are dropped today, any Google search on Assange will pull up "rape" and "sexual assault" for the rest of his life.
 
  • #79
turbo-1 said:
Agreed. Assange has already been pilloried and publicly smeared in the press, without a single hearing or trial. Even if the charges against him are dropped today, any Google search on Assange will pull up "rape" and "sexual assault" for the rest of his life.

Are we really concerned about his public image?:confused:

Did he take the time to verify all of the information that he released (as a legitimate press would be expected to do) - was he worried about anyone else's reputation?
 
  • #81
mheslep said:
http://dailycaller.com/2010/12/08/berkeley-may-honor-army-private-accused-of-leaks/#ixzz17eCyxEId"

If PFC Manning had been found guilty, I'd say the fine Berkeley Councilmen are also guilty of treason.

I doubt if this surprises anyone. I recall a thread a few weeks ago where we discussed why it was acceptable to ban the US Flag in public schools (so it didn't enrage people not of American origins).

In a way, I'm glad this lunacy is coming out - we have 2 more years of Obama - then we can take our country back from the Far Left Side (hmmm...hmmmmm-shhh ...I'm chanting).:rolleyes:
 
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  • #82
Naturally, Obama is to blame for the decision of the Berkeley Council.
 
  • #83
WhoWee said:
I doubt if this surprises anyone. I recall a thread a few weeks ago where we discussed why it was acceptable to ban the US Flag in public schools (so it didn't enrage people not of American origins).

In a way, I'm glad this lunacy is coming out - we have 2 more years of Obama - then we can take our country back from the Far Left Side (hmmm...hmmmmm-shhh ...I'm chanting).:rolleyes:
Don't count me among your 'we', as the Berkley Council does not control the country, and though I disagree with him on most things, nor has the President announced any hero awards for Manning.
 
  • #84
mheslep said:
Don't count me among your 'we', as the Berkley Council does not control the country, and though I disagree with him on most things, nor has the President announced any hero awards for Manning.

I didn't expect you would (join the "we").

As for the President, time will tell. It seems we are accumulating a plateful of controversial cases - including Fort Hood. Maybe his (Clinton-like) move to the center will insulate him?
 
  • #85
I'm sorry if this has been said earlier in the thread: I am busy and unable to read the entire thing.

As far as I'm aware, Julian Assange definitely had consensual sex with these women, but the grey area I believe is surrounding the use (or lack thereof) a condom. I believe in Switzerland this is a touchy subject.
 
  • #86
encorp said:
As far as I'm aware, Julian Assange definitely had consensual sex with these women, but the grey area I believe is surrounding the use (or lack thereof) a condom.
The argument is something like that the women agreed to sex with a condom - the condom failed so technically he didn't hold up (snigger) his part of the bargain - so the sex wasn't as agreed therefore non-consensual - therefore rape.
Unsurprisingly this isn't the first time this has happened in the land of Abba - although it is the first time that has prompted an international arrest warrant.
I believe in Switzerland this is a touchy subject.
Possibly but since this happened in Sweden it probably doesn't matter what a bunch of chocolate eating not-even-getting involved monkeys think.
 
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  • #87
NobodySpecial said:
The argument is something like that the women agreed to sex with a condom - the condom failed so technically he didn't hold up (snigger) his part of the bargain - so the sex wasn't as agreed therefore non-consensual - therefore rape.
Unsurprisingly this isn't the first time this has happened in the land of Abba - although it is the first time that has prompted an international arrest warrant.



Possibly but since this happened in Sweden it probably doesn't matter what a bunch of chocolate eating not-even-getting involved monkeys think is irrelevent.

Ops! I wonder how I typed Switzerland? Hehe

Thanks for the clarifications, however.
 
  • #88
NobodySpecial said:
The argument is something like that the women agreed to sex with a condom - the condom failed so technically he didn't hold up (snigger) his part of the bargain - so the sex wasn't as agreed therefore non-consensual - therefore rape.
Unsurprisingly this isn't the first time this has happened in the land of Abba - although it is the first time that has prompted an international arrest warrant.

there was also an allegation of having sex with one of the women while she was sleeping.
 
  • #89
NobodySpecial said:
The argument is something like that the women agreed to sex with a condom - the condom failed so technically he didn't hold up (snigger) his part of the bargain - so the sex wasn't as agreed therefore non-consensual - therefore rape.
That's the story to Assange's lawyer, not any other neutral party and certainly not from the prosecutor.
 
  • #90
The details of his sex life with apparent "wikileaks groupies" is nothing but a distraction - he needs to be let out on bail - put him back on the street and watch his actions closely.
 
  • #91
mheslep said:
That's the story to Assange's lawyer, not any other neutral party and certainly not from the prosecutor.
Until there is a justice decision, it is certainly not up to PF members whether Assange's or the prosecutor's story is true.
 
  • #92
humanino said:
Until there is a justice decision, it is certainly not up to PF members whether Assange's or the prosecutor's story is true.

Of course not - perhaps this thread should be closed?
 
  • #93
WhoWee said:
The details of his sex life with apparent "wikileaks groupies" is nothing but a distraction - he needs to be let out on bail - put him back on the street and watch his actions closely.

He can't be let out on bail according to the law. That's his own fault.
 
  • #94
From Sweden's Penal Code
A person who by violence or threat which involves, or appears to
the threatened person to involve an imminent danger, forces another
person to have sexual intercourse or to engage in a comparable
sexual act, that having regard to the nature of the violation and the
circumstances in general, is comparable to enforced sexual
intercourse, shall be sentenced for rape to imprisonment for at least
two and at most six years. Causing helplessness or a similar state of
incapacitation shall be regarded as equivalent to violence.
If having regard to the nature of the violence or the threat and
the circumstances in general, the crime is considered less serious, a
sentence to imprisonment for at most four years shall be imposed.
If the crime is gross, a sentence to imprisonment for at least four
and at most ten years shall be imposed for gross rape. In assessing
whether the crime is gross, special consideration shall be given to
whether the violence involved a danger to life or whether the
perpetrator caused serious injury or serious illness or, having regard
to the method used or the victim's youth or other circumstances,
exhibited particular ruthlessness or brutality. (Law 1998:393)
Section 2
A person who, under circumstances other than those defined in
Section 1, makes someone engage in a sexual act by unlawful
coercion shall be sentenced for sexual coercion to imprisonment for
at most two years.
If the person who committed the act exhibited particular
ruthlessness or if the crime is otherwise considered gross, a sentence
of at least six months and at most four years shall be imposed for
gross sexual coercion. (Law 1992:147)
I am only posting this because there seems to be several myths floating around the internet about various rape or surprise sex or what have you laws.

It appears there are 3 levels of rape and 2 levels of sexual coercion. Regular, lesser and gross for rape and regular and gross for sexual coercion.

I think that Assange under these allegations would be chaarged for lesser rape and gross sexual coercion. This would be max 4 years and 6mths to 4 years respectively.
 
  • #95
WhoWee said:
Of course not - perhaps this thread should be closed?
It is neither for me not for you to tell. Either of us could report the other however. On my part, I guess staying away from the discussion should do just fine.

Fortunately for me, I speak other languages, which allows me to benefit as well from non-US point of views and reports.
 
  • #96
humanino said:
Fortunately for me, I speak other languages, which allows me to benefit as well from non-US point of views and reports.
I don't do as well as you do, but there are enough posts to allow me to get some glimpses from outside the US.
 
  • #97
humanino said:
Until there is a justice decision, it is certainly not up to PF members whether Assange's or the prosecutor's story is true.
Yes well the place to put that comment was after the introduction of the story by Nobody above, where it was given as a neutral narrative without attribution.
 
  • #98
Julian Assange is asking, "Why has no evidence been provided even to me and my defense attorneys?" (regarding the sex crimes).

I think they have to provide the evidence only inside the court room. So it might be ok not to provide evidences to Julian Assange or his defense attorneys. But I wonder what evidence the "rape victim"'s side come up with. The incident had no witnesses (it was no orgy party).
 
  • #99
jobyts said:
Julian Assange is asking, "Why has no evidence been provided even to me and my defense attorneys?" (regarding the sex crimes).

I think they have to provide the evidence only inside the court room. So it might be ok not to provide evidences to Julian Assange or his defense attorneys. But I wonder what evidence the "rape victim"'s side come up with. The incident had no witnesses (it was no orgy party).
Have any sources?
 

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