Julian Assange's giant conspiracy theory

I'd rather hoped we'd heard the last of the creepy Julian Assange when he broke his bail conditions earlier this year and ducked into the Ecuadorian embassy in London asking for political asylum. For a man who claims to believe so strongly in freedom of speech the Ecuadorian embassy seems a strange choice. Ecuador is not known for its tolerance of a critical media but maybe Assange plans to change all that if and when he settles there.

Predictably the motley assortment of bearded lefties, gullible Twitterati and the sort of people who read the Mail and Guardian have all fallen for the conspiracy theory that Assange's life is in danger should he be extradited to Sweden to face charges of sexual assault and possibly rape. Assange seems to be the sole author of these conspiracy theories in which he claims that the US are planning to snatch him en route to Stockholm and bundle him back to America where he will have a sham trial and be sentenced to death. This Hollywood version of what might possibly happen to him has evidently struck a chord with his supporters who seem reluctant to look at the facts of the case.

If the US had really wanted Assange out of the way then they have had plenty of opportunity to get rid of him. Indeed, if Assange genuinely believes his life is in danger then he was particularly stupid to step out onto the balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy last Sunday at a pre advertised time in full sniper's range of the surrounding Knightsbridge buildings. Predictably no shots rang out.

Mundane as it may be for the man many erroneously believe to be at the vanguard of freedom of speech, he is wanted for questioning about sex crimes by a country most people would regard as fair and liberal. There has not been a scrap of evidence that Sweden would do a secret deal with the USA and hand Assange over to the tender mercies of the US legal system. That is a fiction invented by Assange to wriggle out of the sex charges he faces. Breaking his bail conditions, ducking into a foreign embassy and negotiating political asylum is as near an admission of guilt as you could wish for.

So now Assange has to figure out how to get out of the Ecuadorian embassy without being arrested. The British government has a legal obligation to hand him over to the Swedish authorities and have said that they cannot guarantee his safe passage once he leaves the safety of the embassy. He is on Interpol's red alert list of most wanted people so the chances of him slipping through airport security are virtually non existent. And if he starts digging an escape tunnel he'll eventually connect with the London Underground system.

I'm sure the Ecuadorian embassy staff must be fed up with his presence after two months. There are no bedrooms in the embassy and a shower has had to be specially installed to keep Assange fragrant. Maybe an embassy secretary could be persuaded to spike his coffee and then drag the snoozing Assange out onto the pavement where the police could take over.

But even if Assange was somehow able to make it out of the country and to Ecuador then he would be far nearer the US than he is at the moment. His physical features will not make it easy to blend in with the swarthy locals so it wouldn't be too difficult for a bounty hunter to locate him, drug him and fly him back to the US for a sham trial and the death sentence. I'm sure that conspiracy theory must have already occurred to the paranoid Assange.

An ideal solution to this absurd stand-off would be for the Ecuadorian president to realise that he is dealing with a narcissistic nutter and that no good can come of it. The trade relationship with Britain is surely more valuable in the long term than a relationship with an alleged rapist. Political asylum should be revoked and Assange should man up and face the sex charges in Sweden. That should keep him busy for a year or so and if the US are still interested in talking to him then they can formally apply for extradition. Assuming that happens then Assange can expect years of protracted and ruinously expensive legal action in the US courts. Considering the global coverage Assange has attracted the death sentence seems highly unlikely.

Given the choice between a Swedish prison and a US one I suspect I would opt for the Swedish version so maybe Assange should spare his Ecuadorian hosts further embarrassment, plead guilty to the sex charges and enjoy the hospitality of the Swedish government for a few years. Who knows, with the passing of time the US and the rest of the world may even forget he ever existed.

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Refreshing change I mainly agree with this article, for someone who believes in the democratic right to free speech he does not seem to agree with other democratic rights such as being judged in a court of law by a jury of your peers. by . on August 23 2012, 00:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

To Sweden & beyond....?.... .....because, "Who knows, with the passing of time the US and the rest of the world may even forget he ever existed". Somehow, me don't fink so..... the rest of the world maybe, but Uncle Sam... hmmmm ? Chikurubi-Alternative-Asylum . .more :) . .less by John Austin on August 23 2012, 00:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

A Fair Trial for Julian Assange! This article, and its writer, Mr Bullard, is both obnoxious and prejudiced in his handing of Julian Assange and the Wikileaks case, not to mention the real political situation in Sweden today! p.s. I am a "naturalised" Swedish citizen since 1974 - . .more although born in Cape Town, lived in the New (and basically unchanged) New South Africa mess that the ANC inherited from 1994, and who then proceeded to make evenworse - but left intact these racist anachonisms such as the dawk above ... trading on insinuations and innuendos, he just provides ammunition for his prejudices! Have just watched an interview with John Pilger (http://www.johnpilger.com/) and he puts the case of Jullian Assange very well. Take some time out Mr Bullard and get your twisted hatred in place .... Jullian Assange has ALWAYS maintained that he is perfectly willing to "face the charges" on neutral ground in Britain (check this out SIR!). . .less by Selim Gool on August 23 2012, 01:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Jullian Assange Silly article Mr. Bullard. Why would Mr. Assange be on Interpol's red alert list for an alleged sexual offense - does not make sense. And why would the US take a potshot at him on a balcony in Britain - they cannot afford to create such a furore. Mr. . .more Assange is feared for his ability to dig up their dirt. And he has good reason to fear that Sweden will extradite him to the US eventually, ' when everyone has forgotten him' as you say, and he will disappear into that vast American penal system. The US is not a benign entity, but a law unto themselves, When last did you go through their 'homeland security system'? . .less by Out of Africa on August 23 2012, 01:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sweden promises to beg US for assurances of no death sentence The ink's barely dried on this uncharacteristically poor Bullard screed when astoundingly, Sweden announces it will "demand assurances from the USA that Assange will not be put to death". David old chap, you've just been hoist on own own . .more petard... Remember remember, the fifth of November! Viva Assange! . .less by Stuka the Air Guitarist on August 23 2012, 03:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Assange & Sweden PS: Here's a link to the RT report and video clip: http://rt.com/news/sweden-us-assange-extradition-209/ by Stuka on August 23 2012, 03:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bullard David, I always enjoy your articles but this is the biggest load of misinformed cr@p I have ever read. by Jonathan on August 23 2012, 03:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Selim.... ....why should he expect a trial on "neutral ground - in Britain", for alleged sexual assaults committed in Sweden ? Surely, the norm is to be arraigned before the courts of jurisdiction for the country in which the alleged offences were . .more committed (unless war crimes or other gross misdemeanours committed against the rights, life, limb, & property of humanity). For the same reasons, SA fought rightly & successfuly for SHRIEN DEWANI to be brought to SA for trial concerning the honeymoon murder of his wife Anni DEWANI in CTown. SHRIEN DEWANI also played the "unfair trial in SA" card & whilst that was failing, the "mentally unfit to stand trial/deportation" card. Of course, there's always the "get out of jail free - to play golf" card for the seriously ill qualifying ANCpf high table oaks (but he doesn't qualify). Come on SELIM, Julian ASSANGE's game has all the hallmarks of avoiding his earned day in a Swedish court..... or are you trying to pretend that the SA judicial system & prosecutorial authority represent a superior model that the Americans have yet to adopt into their flawed democracy ? Besides, the SWEDES want him for Swedish crimes - there is a queue, and the USA will have to wait in line anyway. At such time, ASSANGE will be at liberty to petition against extradition through the Swedish courts, ne ? Chikurubi-Silk . .less by John Austin on August 23 2012, 03:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Jonathan David is trying to provoke and writing tongue in cheek - he does that often. The real discussion being provoked is the prevelance of sex offence and rape charges against people who embarrass the powerful - like the former Head of the World Bank and Jacob . .more Zuma. . .less by Lyndall Beddy on August 23 2012, 04:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Whiners Well stated Mr Bullard. The Assange supporters cannot explain why Assange does not leave the emabassy and go to Sweden. As you say, often the guilty betray their guilt by their actions. Maybe there is more Mr Assange is afraid will come out. If the US . .more wanted him dead; he'd be dead. Ask Osama. . .less by Herman Hanson on August 23 2012, 06:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

You have not thought it through... David, you are wrong. The USA is not a "good, kind, moral" country as far as its "security" is concerned. Indeed it is a world-wide bully. The USA has been embarrassed beyond measure by Wikileaks, and the USA has always been vindictive. Further, . .more the USA's military "justice" system is exactly the one that breaks every part of the Geneva Convention with impunity. The USA refuses to subject to the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, with good reason. And the treatment of "enemies of the state" in the USA is well-known, never mind Guantanamo and similar Gulags. If Assange were to be passed to the USA he has a good chance of immense suffering, even if he is not given a contrived death sentence. Further, Assange did not commit a crime in regards to Wikileaks while in Sweden. IIf so, Sweden had ample opportunity to present charges before. It is clear that the USA wants to prosecute him, and it is not clear what pressure the USA has and would would put on Sweden. The USA has never shirked such tasks. I have no idea what sex crimes Assange may have committed in Sweden. There have been very little facts presented. Perhaps a way can be found to try him in absentia? David, I submit, if YOU represented Wikileaks YOU would think differently! . .less by Dinks on August 23 2012, 06:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Selim Gool C'mon Selim, both Pilger and Assange need kicks in the goolies. by Jeremy Gordin on August 23 2012, 06:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

re: FREE JULIAN ASSANGE! Actually, John Austin, Julian Assange says he can "give evidence", "be interrogated" on neutral ground!!!! These charges are trumpted-up and the "ladies" involved compromised: . .more http://www.counterpunch.org/2011/03/07/how-the-swedes-set-up-julian-assange/ See this link Jeremy (I see you are as bigoted as dear Old David!): http://stopwar.org.uk/index.php/usa-war-on-terror/1796-the-bizarre-unhealthy-blinding-media-contempt-for-julian-assange Oh well, next you will tell me that the Commission of Inquiry to be set up by ANCs Zuma to investigate the murders outside Marikana mine will be "FAIR & UNPARTIAL" .... . .less by Selim Gool on August 23 2012, 06:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Once again: FREE JULIAN ASSANGE! O.K. Chaps, lets see if you can digest this without the usual vitriol and the "I am absolutely certain he is a criminal" repremand as "I know better!" .... Check this: " .... Julian Assange, by contrast, has not killed anybody, or so far even . .more broken any law, and key U.S. military officials have denied claims that information released into the public realm via WikiLeaks has resulted in anybody’s death. In early August 2010, a Pentagon spokesman told theWashington Post that "We have yet to see any harm come to anyone in Afghanistan that we can directly tie to exposure in the documents," and as late as November 28, a different Pentagon official who "didn’t want to be named because of the issue’s sensitivity" told the McClatchy newspapers that the "military still has no evidence that the leaks have led to any deaths." Secretary of Defense Robert Gates admitted that though WikiLeaks has proven ”embarrassing" and "awkward," its "consequences for U.S. foreign policy [are] fairly modest.” @ http://www.counterpunch.org/2011/01/26/assange-and-posada-in-the-propaganda-system/print Assange is nominally under attack in Britain because of allegations against him in Sweden that led to a European arrest warrant being served on him in London for questioning in relation to "rape, sexual molestation and forceful coercion," and for which he now faces an extradition hearing on February 7." . .less by Selim Gool on August 23 2012, 07:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Are People Being Thrown In Psychiatric Wards For Their Political Views? A very good article out on that topic recently, cant post links here so search "zerohedge psychiatric",. Pffft,.. Bullard talking his usual Goyish Jew spin,. Funny, i always see that cigar as a big black c@ck that he's sucking large,. Silly . .more little man, who cares what sort of spin you'd like to place over the dawing Technocratic age,. Havent you got a pond nearby to faddle on over to!? . .less by Bullard the Elitests Bufoon on August 23 2012, 07:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

disapointed Arrogant C*** probably seeking comment attention. by Knysna Keep on August 23 2012, 07:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

stuff the Ecuadorians there is a better plan He should just become an elected leaeder of an African country using Jakoobis Zoomer's methods and then not only will he be free but can also accumulate quadzillions for his family as well. Foolish man. I mean to say, what? by Bagehot on August 23 2012, 07:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

disapointing David, not your finest article. When even dot agrees with you, you should know it is shite. by jt on August 23 2012, 08:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Quo vadis? Will be interesting to see how this soap opera plays out. As you say, David, the Ecuadorian embassy staff must already be heartily sick of having this celebrity nerd slouching around the place. Give it another couple of months and they'll probably be . .more ready to strangle him. . .less by William on August 23 2012, 08:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sweden fair? Re - by a country most people would regard as fair and liberal. Swedish morals have not changed since the days when the country actively supported and traded with Hitler until it was sure the Allies would win. The sex charges were only trumped up . .more after Assange had left Sweden and he can expect to be shipped off to the US in short order. The actions of recent US administrations against its perceived enemies is reason enough for Assange to assume that he will, at best, end up locked in a small cell or cage with no trial like so many others grabbed from the farthest corners of the globe. Whatever happens to him should come as no surprise to anyone because he should have known what he was getting into when he took on the US. . .less by Nightjar on August 23 2012, 08:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The Assange groupies creep out of the woodwork OK....here's one for you devoted Assange followers....How do you know that the information Wikileaks released is genuine? You don't do you? Which is why this clown Assange is dangerous. It's the bland leading the blind and you dopes believe everything you . .more read....particularly if it's anti the USA...the greatest nation on earth. . .less by David Bullard on August 23 2012, 08:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bullard is a bully! David, I usually support your independence of mind and seeming tongue-in-cheek take on things, but you stand alone / with the Swedish, British and Americans on this one. Even if Assange were to be sentenced to a lengthy time in a Sweden prison, . .more the US would be waiting outside the prison doors at the end of his sentence, to make sure that he also tastes of their jail system. It's also strange that the women that Assange is supposed to have assaulted have been so quiet and remain unidentified. Methinks this case is more political than one of sexual assault. This, of course, is not to say that he sould not be punished if indeed he did what he's accused of. True, he cannot stay in the Ecuadorean Embassy forever; his escape chances are virtually slim, but I think this man did the right thing by telling the rest of us the kind of things that happen in that secret world of global diplomatic and political smokes and mirrors. . .less by Solitoliquido on August 23 2012, 08:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SciFi entertainment Anti-USA, SciFi fanatics and conspiracy theorists are happily entertained by Julian Assange, it's cheaper than renting an arm full of videos of that nature over a weekend and it comes at no surprise to me that so many just happen to be . .more Scandinavians. Great article David, it was worth the wait for Thursday! . .less by kidge on August 23 2012, 08:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Run Assange Run Well said Mr Bullard. Assange is nothing but a narcissistic attention seeker who published confidential material without any thought and now runs away from his own rape case like the coward he is. Why not show us what a fearless man you are and just face . .more the music? Coward. . .less by Limelite on August 23 2012, 08:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

David Bullard What a shame! You have it all wrong. You sound like a supporter of the so called war on terror purported by the western nations and headed by America. You put yourselves in the shoes of Assange and what he probably discovered in his Wiki leaks. He is not . .more wriggling himself out alleged rape charges, but surely knows by now the evil of the American government tactics over time, and how it deals with their adversaries. America refuse to deal justly with their so called enemies and cannot be trusted. So, i don't blame Assange! Get your facts in order David! . .less by Saeed on August 23 2012, 09:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The Bigger Picture It is state secrets that causes wars, no state secrets and total transparency, end of all wars. Is this not what Assange stands for? by Koos on August 23 2012, 09:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

David Duck´s Hollywood Version ??? "If the US had really wanted Assange out of the way then they have had plenty of opportunity to get rid of him. " ....I think this is YOUR Hollywood version. Maybe you ve seen to many thriller movies on e-channel recently? Assange is impossible to . .more be shot by a sniper, WHAT do you think would follow after that??? It would be the absolute proof of the conspiracy theories to the entire world, dont you think so? Also its not about "Assange getting sentenced to death" on grounds of american laws - where did you get that Donald Duck version from??? It is about being brought to court (who knows for how long) and end up in one of the worlds finest high security torture camps for long. Are they run by a "democratic" government? Any scandals there so far? And finally any idea how dependant is the swedish economy and political system on us-american "friendship"?? I am not a "devoted Assange follower" but truely I have to say if you could not evaluate the reactions after the Wikileaks releases you should not question their genuity here!! Shame on you! "actions speak louder than words" and nothing of what was uncovered in Wikileaks was actually publicly contradicted by all those involved. Calling Assange a "clown" puts you out of a respectable political discussion.......peng! peng! huuahhh! oh ohh !! he he! wouw! . .less by Roland KZN on August 23 2012, 09:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Pass this on to the embassy Perhaps embassy staff can shrink him and smuggle him out in a diplomatic bag. by William on August 23 2012, 09:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

particularly if it's anti the USA At the end of WW2 the USA occupied the high moral ground and was seen as a champion of the free world with very few in any doubt that the world was a better place with Hitler gone and the USSR held in check. Starting with LBJ and his sidekick, . .more McNamara, who betrayed America in the worst possible way successive administrations have become less moral and the USA increasingly looks like a police state run by the military. I am not a fan of Assange and am indifferent to his fate. . .less by Nightjar on August 23 2012, 09:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

davids idiocy so untrue. The sex charges are a farce. Check your facts before you rant on by sue on August 23 2012, 09:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Assange And I was hoping for something on Lonmin/NUM and the Government unfunny clowns! by Ja well no fine on August 23 2012, 09:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Instead of taking sides why not tackle the real question? How easy is it to fake sex/rape charges to get an opponent out of the way - and how often is it done? Rape seldom has witnesses - which, by the way, is why the Koran insists on witnesses before a guilty verdict. by Lyndall Beddy on August 23 2012, 09:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

At David If the unctuous David Cameron and his creepy sidekick, William Hague (the oke who looks like he escaped from the Addams Family film set), showed as much resolve in extraditing a prima facie genuine criminal like Shrien Dewani, then maybe we could take the . .more British justice system seriously. The double standards and sheer pc hypocrisy are stark. Furthermore, the sex trap set-up and smear is the oldest trick in the book. Considering the seriousness of these charges against Assange, surely, in the interests of justice, his accusers should be identified and the exact nature of the "crimes" detailed? Maybe he simply "banged these chicks" at their behest (I know that may be hard to believe!). Why couldn't he simply be interviewed in England, which is what the Swedes initially stated was all they wanted to do? Assange looks like your average amateur serial leaker of secrets. To portray him as a vicious sex fiend is really stretching credulity. Not your best effort, David. Jeremy Gordin says he will offer free lessons after hours to bring you up to speed again. . .less by Graham on August 23 2012, 10:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Lyndall Beddy I have no problem with thought provoking articles and David is indeed (sometimes) to be read tongue in cheek, but your comparison of Zuma and Dominique Strauss-Kahn with Assange is completely far fetched : there is no doubt that the former are guilty and . .more the latter is a fabricated charge. Zuma/Strauss-Kahn served their own self-interest and were brought to book. . .less by Jonathan on August 23 2012, 10:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Did anybody watchCarte Blanche ? Two of his lovers just wanted him to submit himself for STD tests and both went to the police to issue that warrant because neither of them used a condom. They were horrified that the charge was changed to rape. by DM on August 23 2012, 10:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Assange Didn't Assange present himself to Swedish police regarding the alleged rape charges and they released him? He was interviewed and released, and the ladies involved didn't file charges initially. And didn't the Prosecutor in Sweden allow him to leave . .more Sweden? Not really the kind of behaviour of a police force intent on arresting a dangerous man. . .less by Staffie on August 23 2012, 10:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Johnathan I happen to believe that both Zuma and Strauss- Khan were innocent. The latter is gut feel; but the Zuma trial I followed every word of the Judge, and agreed with the verdict. by Lyndall Beddy on August 23 2012, 10:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Whistle Blowers I'm surprised so many folk appear to be against Assange, or for that matter trust the powers that be. How is Assange any different than investigative journalists at M&G, for example? I thought it was important to South Africans for transparency in . .more government, I guess not, at least as it is illustrated by the many people wanting him silenced. I admit to being confused. Assange has not been charged with any crime. The women who initially complained, then requested to withdraw the complaint which was about consensual sex where the unexpected happened, the condom broke during intercourse. Now who out there hasn't had that happen, especially doing intense moments? So what is it folks; do you believe in the importance of free speech, whistle blowers and transparency, or not? Of note: Bullfinch tweeted he wrote this to annoy readers. Shutting down Assange will make no difference at all. Wikileaks will continue as much in our digital lives as Google, regardless of who leads it. . .less by sirjay johnson on August 23 2012, 11:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

This just out. See the following http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/aug/22/julian-assange-media-contempt?CMP=twt_gu Set it all out pretty clearly. by sirjay johnson on August 23 2012, 11:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

A quote re Assange In the article posted above, the following quote is its best: "Can anyone seriously believe the dispute would have gone global, or that the British government would have made its asinine threat to suspend the Ecuadorean embassy's diplomatic . .more status and enter it by force, or that scores of police would have surrounded the building, swarming up and down the fire escape and guarding every window, if it was all about one man wanted for questioning over sex crime allegations in Stockholm?" . .less by sirjay johnson on August 23 2012, 11:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Barack Husein Obama's mother Ann Dunham and his bio father Frank Marshall Davis Dreams From My Real Father: The Intimate Ann Dunham - Frank Marshall Davis Relationship http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMUlWbO1rhk by Theo Prinse on August 23 2012, 11:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@David Bullard Load of cr@p. Did you ever look at the wikileaks data or http://www.collateralmurder.com/ ? So is pvt Manning in custody for dreaming up the stuff he's released ? Even if 1% of this was true, it would be enough for the USA to want to get rid of Wikileaks. . .more What a waste of time Politicsweb is becoming... . .less by Dave on August 23 2012, 12:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Extradition Starting with Shrien Dewani , I can think of quite a few okes that ought to be extradited like 1) French Seychellois Resistance leader late Gerard Houreau's exterminator in London back in the 80's - the Yard know who the suspect is . 2) Late . .more KGB/FSB defector Alexander Litvineko's exterminator in London 2008 poisoned before the Chelsea / CSV game at a hotel - Alex Lugovoy - today an MP in Putins thugocracy after running from the Yard as well - stuck Livinenko away to prevent Blair being informed in minute detail of Putin's role in glogal terror , drug and organized sysndicates 3) George Louka - the many who escaped reportedly for Lolly Jacksons extermination , courtesy of disgraced cop Joey Mabaso the list goes on and on and I personally believe Assange was framed - check the timeline between the wiki leaks and the "rapes" - they (ladies) took a long time to come forward and could not possibly have been in a rohypnol induced coma for so long . However , unlike the first 3 , Assange cannot hold out in an embassy and that is why the US will get him back . . .less by Green Room on August 23 2012, 12:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Witnesses Re - Lyndall Beddy & Rape seldom has witnesses - which, by the way, is why the Koran insists on witnesses before a guilty verdict Tell that to all the rape victims who get stoned to death in Muslim countries. by Nightjar on August 23 2012, 12:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

typo Putin's role in glogal terror , drug and organized sysndicates ... should read .... "Putin's role in global terror , drug and organized crime syndicates..." by Green Room on August 23 2012, 12:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Diplomatic Baggage.... ....(by William on August 23 2012, 09:10).... ....would solve the ASSANGE problem for the Ecuadorians (not a diplomatic pouch). When the whole world & it's Diplomatic Corps were setting up shop in Harare around independence circa early . .more 1980's (and prior to my own undiplomatic posting to Chikurubi Maximum Diplomacy), my Harare Customs Rebates Division was responsible for the clearance of all "Diplomatic Baggage". I don't think it EVER concerned a "pouch" - the kind of briefcase you see handcuffed to an official travelling 1st class by air. Those are nodded through Customs at the Airport of entry & are used for classified hand delivery of documents (& small items of contraband as in the case of Zim Foreign Affairs - yes they were caught out being unaware that their diplomatic Customs immunity only applied outside Zim). I digress, the serious "Diplomatic Baggage" on the other hand was more usually cleared by the Rebates Department in Harare, that being the correct Port of Entry for the clearance of containerised shipments. YES, 40 foot Ro-Ro containerised baggage. So then, I don't see any serious Diplomatic logistic impediment to getting ASSANGE diplomatically shipped anywhere the Ecuadorian Embassy chooses. Risky, yes, but quite doable. Now, where to find a JULIAN look alike to keep appeareing on the Knightsbridge balcony ? . .less by John Austin on August 23 2012, 12:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Witnesses That is because they are following Culture NOT the Koran! by Lyndall Beddy on August 23 2012, 13:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

...following Culture Trouble is that Holy Books, culture and superstition are inextricably tangled up but this is not the place to debate it. by Nightjar on August 23 2012, 13:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Assange Dear David, I have lost my respect for you...............shame by Govan on August 23 2012, 13:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Nonsense This a terrible piece by David Bullard.I cant believe he wrote this nonsense. by Jobe on August 23 2012, 13:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

David... ...surely the Americans want to punish Assange for his release of classified documents (if he ever gets in front of a US court, he will surely be found guilty of espionage and serve decades in jail with private Manning). So the problem for the . .more Americans is getting him extradited to the US for a date in court. To do that, American prosecuters may have to argue in front of European courts, and this they may want to avoid. So what to do? Methinks that Assange's Swedish problems may not be unrelated to his WikiLeaks activities -- the CIA (or a European or MidEastern surrogate) etc can easily set up a criminal situation for Mr Assange -- in which case he faces a European court, gets jail time plus (more importantly) a criminal record, then extradition to Australia because of the record, and then who knows, legal troubles in Oz, or even extradition to the US. Assange, I think, has reason to be scared and to believe in conspiracies designed to get him in jail. If any of what he seems to believe is even half-true, and he gets extradited, it will be a lifetime in jail in the US. . .less by JVR on August 23 2012, 15:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

His master's voice Suddenly, out of the blue, the whole main-stream media turns against Assange.. I smell a serious rat! by DewaldS on August 23 2012, 15:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bullard is the clown Always enjoyed reading your column but this article showed your true stupidity. You a clown David Buffoon by ART on August 23 2012, 15:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@David Agree with ART and others : David Bullard has totally lost it. What an idiot. Time to look say goodbye to Politicsweb I suppose - too much drunken drivel from him and mr. Gordin. by Andre on August 23 2012, 16:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Goodbye cruel world....help me Jeremy Gordin (sobs uncontrollably) I didn't realise how bad things were until Govan lost respect for me. Sorry...Govan who? Do I know you? Now listen you bunch of tossers....if you happen to disagree with something I have written that doesn't mean it's a bad column. In fact, I write . .more columns designed to get people to disagree with me. That's what get's me out of bed in the morning. But if you really think I give a flying fart for your opinions then you're delusional. And of course you'll keep reading Gordin and me.....why? Because like supersized burgers, we're addictive. . .less by David Bullard on August 23 2012, 16:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Think Sirhay Johnson said it best: "Can anyone seriously believe the dispute would have gone global, or that the British government would have made its asinine threat to suspend the Ecuadorean embassy's diplomatic . .more status and enter it by force, or that . .more scores of police would have surrounded the building, swarming up and down the fire escape and guarding every window, if it was all about one man wanted for questioning over sex crime allegations in Stockholm. No government can be trusted anymore. . .less by CA Bez on August 23 2012, 16:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

BY GEORGE George Galloway MP for that imperialist metropolis Bradford in the UK, made some interesting comments in respect of Jule`s and his erstwhile ability to snaffle a few Swedish shaghounds. George, well mostly coming across as a jealous old fart wih a obvious . .more distain for the US justice system. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/video/2012/aug/21/george-galloway-julian-assange-sexual-rape-video?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Fmedia%2Frss+(Media) HOWEVER, the Australian 4 corners documentary opens more insight and certainly makes me think Assange was set up. http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2012/07/19/3549280.htm . .less by JAMES FIRST (1) on August 23 2012, 17:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

BY GEORGE George Galloway MP for that imperialist metropolis Bradford in the UK, made some interesting comments in respect of Jule`s and his erstwhile ability to snaffle a few Swedish shaghounds. George, well mostly coming across as a jealous old fart with an . .more obvious distain for the US justice system. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/video/2012/aug/21/george-galloway-julian-assange-sexual-rape-video?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Fmedia%2Frss+(Media) HOWEVER, the Australian 4 corners documentary opens more insight and certainly makes me think Assange was set up. http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2012/07/19/3549280.htm . .less by JAMES FIRST (1) on August 23 2012, 17:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Assange If Assange was truly a straight shooter earnestly seeking to inform people by releasing confidential and restricted information then there should be screeds of information on Wikeaks related to Russia, China, Cuba, North Korea and Middle Eastern, Asian . .more and even African countries. There is not. Wiki leaks is little more than an anti-west propaganda machine with financing from individuals who act knowingly or unknowningly as conduits for anti-west countries. Newspapers initially loved Wikileaks but have cooled considerably as the anti-west bias and selective leaks from Wikileaks indicates an agenda other than what is claimed. . .less by . on August 23 2012, 17:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

David's writing tongue in cheek.. It's crystal clear that Sweden will extradite Assange because they released a statement saying that they would demand guarantees from the USA. If you don't see that then it doesn't even help to try and explain it to you, because then nothing . .more will. David just exposed the lot of you. :) . .less by Carl on August 23 2012, 17:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Bullfinch Nah - you've got nuthin on me, china - I'm the one with the serious girth around here, and don't you forget it ... i've been thinking: why don't we get little julie to write for Polweb? i cd help him a little - with punctuation 'n stuff. by Jeremy Gordin on August 23 2012, 18:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Self-opinionated Just to enlighten you Mr. Bullard, my interest is always drawn by an article head-line, not by the author. I find your style rather immature, coarse and contrary to P_W 'comment rules' in some instances. Not that what I think matters of course. by Out of Africa on August 23 2012, 18:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Puffed Up - too much cigar smoke Just to enlighten you Mr. Bullard, my interest is always drawn by an article head-line, not by the author. I find your style rather immature, coarse and contrary to P_W 'comment rules' in some instances. Not that what I think matters of course. by Out of Africa on August 23 2012, 18:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ David Bullard david......sssssshhhhhh. never let on that you buy your super size burgers at our delicatessen counter.. This is now serious stuff. We have a reputation to consider. by Bev Keen on August 23 2012, 20:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

More opinion than fact. In my view a biased article Put aside for the moment your aversion for Mr Assange and his Wlkki Leaks activities and take a look at the nitty gritty of the accusations. 1. Accusations were made against Mr Assange some time after the incidents. (Assange has always . .more maintained ha had consensual sex with both and it seems common cause) 2. One of the females had specifically targeted Assange with a view to creating a relationship long before the event.. 3. The other had let him use her abode whilst she was away and returned early and they stayed together. 4. It is worth noting that the trouble really started when female 1 found out about female 2 and they began to chat. (hell hath no fury......) 5. As I understand it the specific accusation giving rise to rape label were true it would not constitute rape in the UK or the US. If I had 2 females who sought revenge for two timing them I would walk into a North Korean embassy if there was one. . .less by Oblio on August 23 2012, 21:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Selim and Saeed What do Selilm Gool and Saeed have in common? They are both muslims, and almost by definition anti-West and anti-American. by Jeff on August 23 2012, 22:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Are you having a laugh, David? Come on David this Assange business has a distinct Straus - Kahn trumped up charges about it. by rob hemmings on August 23 2012, 22:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Witness " which, by the way, is why the Koran insists on witnesses before a guilty verdict" Actually, in pracitice, what is insisted upon it the testimony of MALE witnesses. by Jeff on August 23 2012, 22:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The man does have a turn of phrase Yep, "narcissitic nutter" is just about the best I've heard. Deeply enjoyable, David, whether you care a hoot for praise or censure or not. by Cilliers on August 23 2012, 23:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Deep embarrassment "Narcissistic", I mean. by Cilliers on August 24 2012, 00:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

If the Women withdraw charges against Assange, the problem is solved. However, as obvious pawns in a power play, these women are probably now afraid of perjury charges. by Lyndall Beddy on August 24 2012, 03:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@David Bullard If that is your reason for writing you are a sorry excuse for a journalist. More likely you penned this while not completely sober. I'm not into supersized burgers, nor into your articles anymore (since both are aimed at plebs like you) and thankfully . .more there are good alternatives to P.web. . .less by Clare on August 24 2012, 04:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Monley see , Monkey do Mordechai Vanunu brought his camera to work in late 1985, shortly before leaving his eight-year stint as a technician at Israel's nuclear weapons factory at Dimona. While their publication resulted in Vanunu being locked away for an 18-year . .more prison sentence, his photographs of Israel's nuclear weapons factory - a bold statement against nuclear secrecy and for the abolition of nuclear weapons - are here for all to see. http://www.vanunu.com/uscampaign/photos.html I foresee the same fate for Mr Assange ( guilty or not ) One wonders what "honey-trap" they will use to get him out of the Embassy ? . .less by Bibliophile on August 24 2012, 10:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Stupid people We live in a country where we enjoy the fruits of a constitutional democracy. We are free to rant, rave and postulate our opinion at will. Do you for a minute stop and think at what price it comes? Do you realize that we fall into the sphere of western . .more democracies that, after much blood and tears, won the right to exist in a time that spanned two world wars and finally ended with the fall of the Berlin wall? Can you imagine living in a country where all your ‘freedoms’ are dictated by a dictatorial individual? Can you imagine living under a law that will stone you to death for falling pregnant when raped? Have you heard of honour killings or female genital mutilation? The list is endless. Are you stupid enough to defend an individual who would make it his life’s work to expose secrets that will strengthen the very hand that would throw the first stone? Do you think that a culture that would cut an innocent man’s head off and display it on national television has no secrets of its own? Has Assange leaked a single state secret of these rouge nations? No he has not for he knows he would be dead by now. He is an enemy of the democracies he feeds off and you are stupid enough to defend him. Shame on idiots like you. For all the Muslim commentators, your contributions validate my point. Thank you. Keep up the good . .less by DABB on August 24 2012, 11:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Stupid people We live in a country where we can enjoy the fruits of a constitutional democracy. We are free to rant, rave and postulate our opinion at will. Do you for a minute stop and think at what price it comes? Do you realize that we fall into the sphere of . .more western democracies that, after much blood and tears, won the right to exist in a time that spanned two world wars and finally ended with the fall of the Berlin wall? Can you imagine living in a country where all your ‘freedoms’ are dictated by a dictatorial individual? Can you imagine living under a law that will stone you to death for falling pregnant when raped? Have you heard of honour killings or female genital mutilation? The list is endless. Are you stupid enough to defend an individual who would make it his life’s work to expose secrets that will strengthen the very hand that would throw the first stone? Do you think that a culture that would cut an innocent man’s head off and display it on national television has no secrets of its own? Has Assange leaked a single state secret of these rouge nations? No he has not for he knows he would be dead by now. He is an enemy of the democracies he feeds off and you are stupid enough to defend him. Shame on idiots like you. For the Muslim commentators, your contributions validate my point. Thanks. Keep up the good work David. . .less by DABB on August 24 2012, 12:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Casting Stones "Do you think that a culture that would cut an innocent man’s head off and display it on national television has no secrets of its own?" @DABB -- ever heard of the French Revolution and "La veuve ? ever heard of Sabra and Shatila . .more http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/Sabra_&_Shatila.html . .less by Bibliophile on August 24 2012, 16:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Red Flag David - why would a sex criminal be red flagged? Just a thought seeing as though some of the most wanted 'terrorists' aren't even red flagged. by Bruce on August 24 2012, 18:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Bibliophile I apologise. I assumed that most of us have moved on from the late seventeen hundreds. If you are implying the some courtiers and cultures are trapped in that time frame, I agree with you. In fact, it is clear that some countries are trapped in a time . .more way earlier. But yes, ever country has dirty linen. The point remains, why should Assange have the right to decide what linen to hang out the front window and then expect not to be silenced. I hope the subtleties of keeping a secret will be explained to him by a lifer in one of Uncle Sam’s accommodation facilities soon. . .less by DABB on August 24 2012, 23:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

A Necessary Perspective! Well now, how about we see things in PERSPECTIVE hey guys (ya, that´s you Mr Bullard and Godrin, et al bigots): http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/politics/2012/08/pursuit-julian-assange-assault-freedom-and-mockery-journalism See you in court . .more (as on old Cape Flats gangster would say) .... . .less by Selim Gool on August 24 2012, 23:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Africa is trapped in a Tribal "Women Farmers" system. Women "farming" under Tribal Chiefs, when neither know how to farm, and the men migrate to the cities and take second wives, has collapsed Agriculture in ALL of Africa! by Lyndall Beddy on August 25 2012, 05:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Does Zuma's First Wife "Farm"; and Second Wife run the AU? THIS is what has destroyed Agriculture in Africa! How well can Zuma's First and Rural Wife "Farm"? Can she even read - considering Zuma was stopped from going to school by the Elders? by Lyndall Beddy on August 25 2012, 05:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Biased David, This article does not sound like you. All it's characteristics are like someone who had to make some sort of contribution but was not yet ready, not even to spin if that was the idea. Score ........- by Austin ok on August 25 2012, 10:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

DAVID IS GOING MONKEY What a load of C***!! I have long lost all my respect for this idiot. He reminds me of the America and British slave drivers who like to trouble shoot to sustain their war mongering economies, when ever it is on a decline. David, get a life, please! by THE SLEEPING BULLDOG IS TRYING TO RISE FROM THE ASHES on August 25 2012, 14:52 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Julian Assange DB is usually amusing but this is silly candy floss. Who actually cares about Julian Assange? All he needs to get off the rape charges is JZ's legal team and friends. His choice of embassy is interesting/puzzling. We wait with baited breath to . .more see if he will sneak out to safety. or death. Now if our SAPS were waiting there......they would resolve the impasse. . .less by jelry on August 25 2012, 19:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

assange Will he try to get out of the embassy in a basket of laundry with a Manuel -type (ex Faulty Towers) pushing the trolly? by jelry on August 25 2012, 19:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Yawn Yawn. David Bullard is soooo last year. Get a life. by Mark on August 27 2012, 07:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The head of Pagad has also been arrested for rape I suspect another set up - the police are accused of being in the pay of the drug dealers (like Selebi/Agliotti) by Pagad. by Lyndall Beddy on August 27 2012, 09:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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