In my opinion, Assange is a problematic child.

One would think (normally, one would think), when granted safety in a foreign embassy, a normal token of return respect, would be to desist from the suspect activity which necessitated the need for escape in the first place: But no, Assange continued without interruption, to ply his trade behind the walls of the Ecuadorean embassy. (And more).

The man displays every sign of complete arrogance. He continues to flutter red rags to the US bull, and remarkably expects sympathy. It's difficult under this mountain of now common knowledge, to have respect and sympathy towards him and his left wing cause.

Even left leaning Al has none for him.

But I do believe personally, since his activity and attitude have driven this situation to the absolute extreme outcome which it has, Assange should be treated humanly, and granted bail with strict condition. One of the most important conditions should be to remove his access to the internet, thus disabling his obsessional attacks on the US.

Dan

Dan: Agree mostly with everything you say. However, a proven flight risk ought not be granted bail nor any opportunity to receive anything under the table by complicit defence lawyers. That said, he should be granted a fair trial, based only on the indisputable provable facts. And a robust defence. Can't get fairer than that!

The rumours around that he would be granted a pardon if he claimed there was no Russian interference in U.S. elections is interesting, to say the least is, is Assange's apparent inability to comply.
Alan B.

Dearest Al

I agree on your view of a fair trial. But obviously in his deplorable state of physical and mental health, to achieve a fair trial needs the state of his health to be considered: Especially if he is to pass the test of a reliable witness.

He has pissed-off Uncle Sam, and for that he will pay, understandable entirely. But your correct, for a public trial to remain credible it must show compassion, or its outcomes are farcical.
This is already boardering on one of those Russian show trials from the fifties, so often in our news back then. A pointless exercise.

So, thus my opinion on his release on bail.
Things have changed now, since his exit from the Embassy, where there was a good degree of public observation assisted by the odd comment from the Embassy staff.
He was well treated there.
Now though, he is in entirely different circumstances incarcerated in a British prison cell.
These conditions are not conducive to a fair trial at all; especially if he is to personally participate in a meaningful way.

Got your fishing story. But saving a responsive post.

Dan

Alan, Assange has categorically proven as has Bill Binney (retired and former Director of NSA technical directorate and the man who designed the most comprehensive NSA spying network still in operation today) Russian interference was minimal. Binney also proved the ‘hack’ of the DNC server was not a hack but a download onto a USB device.

The Russian government did not interfere in the 2016 election insofar as was undertaken by Russian sanctioned intelligence agencies. The ‘interference’ amounted to $4700 worth of adverts on Google platforms as admitted by Google.

Gunna let him go now arya Alan...arya...?
Galen

I wonder if Assange actually thought of the lives he put at rsk ?

Just imagine how many families could be helped out of misery with all the money & effort put into this circus ?