Owner of website, WikiLeaks – which as been removed online – is in London on house arrest after being accused of rape by two Swedish women. One woman says Julian Assange, 39, ignored her request for him to use a condom during sex and the other claims he had unprotected sex with her while she slept. Whether these claims are valid or politically motivated remains to be seen, and Sweden is trying to have him extradited from England to stand trial.
Assange has made public information out of secret US Military files, angering US officials and bringing world attention to the website. He published photos of the torture and mistreatment of prisoners of war and other documents telling the world other US secrets.
While Trouble Brews, Website is Nominated for Prize
If Sweden is successful Assange could stand trial and then be passed on to the US, where it’s possible he could face execution. His lawyer, Geoffrey Robertson, told press that Sweden’s prime minister may have ruined his client’s chance at a fair trial by making comments that “turned Assange into public enemy number one in Sweden.”
The hearing in London is to decide whether or not England will allow extradition. Defense says Assange had consensual sex with the women and he isn’t liable. Assange’s side of the story hasn’t been told, as only the accusers have been able to tell their side, so far. It’s typical of British extradition hearings not to hear any of the evidence by the accused.
Assange is confined strictly to an address. The extradition hearing, which lasted three days, has been adjourned for now and won’t be back in session until a decision is made on February 24th. The presiding judge has commented that he expects there to be an appeal from either side, no matter which side wins.
Amidst all this attention, the website owned by Assange, WikiLeaks.com, has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by Norwegian Legislator Snorre Valen, 26. The site was nominated for it’s work disclosing classified documents that could promote world peace.
