Assange arrest a mockery of extradition law

[Joanne98]

THERE may be many unintended consequences of the race to prosecute Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder. But as he faces extradition from the UK to Sweden, where he is accused of rape, one of the more eccentric side effects has already become clear: the rise to prominence of the European arrest warrant.

This legal instrument has been controversial since it was introduced in 2003. It has created everyday injustices, but rarely has anyone outside the small group of lawyers that handles cases really cared. Now followers of the WikiLeaks story wonder how Assange could be extradited with so few questions asked.

Why, for example, can British prisons detain someone (Assange is currently on remand in Wandsworth prison) for an offence under Swedish law that does not exist in British law? And how can a judge agree to an extradition without having seen enough evidence to make out a prima facie case?

The 2003 Extradition Act originated in an EU decision agreed just one week after 9/11. It was sold to voters as a way of ensuring cross-border cohesion in prosecuting suspects wanted across Europe for terrorism and serious crime. The level of cohesion in criminal justice systems across Europe, the argument went, and their common obligations under the European convention on human rights, provided a sufficient basis of trust that an arrest warrant by an EU country could be agreed by the UK with little scrutiny.

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/assange-arrest-a-mockery-of-extradition-law-20101215-18y4b.html

[Demeter]

1. A Conspiracy and a Travesty of the Rule of Law

It's so blatant, even the politically blind can see it.

[Matilda]

2. I was never aware of the existence or the ramifications of the European arrest warrant.

It makes Assange's case look even more hopeless, if other cases even more ridiculous have been allowed to proceed.

9/11 resulted in so much abuse of power, and it's the west that's doing the abusing. Bin Laden must be laughing
himself silly.

[Citizen Worker]

3. Just remember, 'they hate us for our freedoms.' Now, move along.