Quote:
Originally Posted by Hugh
I don't know if he's guilty or not of sexual assault and/or rape, as the case has not been heard - what he is most certainly is doing is trying to avoid the case being heard.
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I accept there is merit to that theory. I can't see how Assange will be on any safer ground in Ecuador than in Sweden if he's running from the US. The US can get him in Ecuador probably as easily as in Sweden.
I suspect he's using the Ecuadorian embassy as an intermediate broadcasting platform prior to giving himself up for extradition, and has every intention of doing just that when he feels the time is right.
If there is political coercion going on behind the scenes, then I think Assange's asylum claim was a smart move. If he's confident that the allegations will be thrown out after he returns to Sweden, then it's an even smarter move. Consider that, if after all this drama the "justice" he returns to face turns into a nothing more than a damp squib, he will have made a complete fool out of the media, the UK and the US government, and certainly a PR victory on his part. Not to mention bringing attention to the lop-sided rape laws both in Sweden and the UK. £50,000 per day in security outside the embassy according to the dailymail.
Even woman's rights activists will be furious that the gov has hijacked their plight for a political cause, like it's something to be used then thrown away when it no longer suits the political agenda.
On the other hand, if the allegations are true, and there never was any political agenda, not only will I will I have to eat my words, but it will be the end of Assange's career.
I can see this one turning fairly heated if those allegations aren't substantiated, history will be the judge.