Live Updates: WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange's Extradition Hearing Continues in London

“What he pointed out in his testimony and written submissions was the simple fact that the rate of jury trials are down to 3% when it comes to criminal cases in a state and federal level. And one must wonder what kind of justice is that. He outlines the strategy that is behind it, basically the threat of decades or even consecutive life sentences that are presented to the accused. It is almost like a blackmail to get the accused or defendant to a plea. This is the situation we are seeing more and more. In terms of Julian he was asked ‘would mean that he would be pressured to reveal his sources as part of a plea bargain?’ - and he confirmed that would probably be the case. So, this is the kind of scenario that Julian would have to face. He would be presented with the options: Do you want to spend the rest of your life in prison here or Do you want to plea and then you have to give us something? This is the kind of justice system that Julian Assange is faces or the so-called justice system if he is extradited,” Hrafnsson said.

Examination of witness is over - hearing over

Tomorrow next two defence witnesses expected to be called are:

1) John Goetz
2) Daniel Elsberg (late afternoon)

But they may seek to insert another short witness in-between the two.
**COURT ADJOURNED**

— Mohamed Elmaazi (@MElmaazi) September 15, 2020

John Shipton, #JulianAssange's father, summarised his view of the key issues discussed during the morning cross-examination & re-examination of Eric Lewis.

via @SputnikInt pic.twitter.com/z5X7HIPjRV

— Mohamed Elmaazi (@MElmaazi) September 15, 2020

“What he pointed out in his testimony and written submissions was the simple fact that the rate of jury trials are down to 3% when it comes to criminal cases in a state and federal level. And one must wonder what kind of justice is that. He outlines the strategy that is behind it, basically the threat of decades or even consecutive life sentences that are presented to the accused. It is almost like a blackmail to get the accused or defendant to a plea. This is the situation we are seeing more and more. In terms of Julian he was asked ‘would mean that he would be pressured to reveal his sources as part of a plea bargain?’ - and he confirmed that would probably be the case. So, this is the kind of scenario that Julian would have to face. He would be presented with the options: Do you want to spend the rest of your life in prison here or Do you want to plea and then you have to give us something? This is the kind of justice system that Julian Assange is faces or the so-called justice system if he is extradited,” Hrafnsson said.

"Most clients - if you are honest and blunt with them about the consequences- simply can’t risk that type of exposure, and take a plea that is put in front of them because they cant risk the exposure of going to trial”.

— Mohamed Elmaazi (@MElmaazi) September 15, 2020

Vaughan Smith, of the Frontline Club, says:

"too few journalists have woken to the fact that [the prosecution of Mr #Assange] is the case of our time relating to the ability of journalists to report on things that governments don't want us to hear"

via @SputnikInt pic.twitter.com/TkvaVu8ar3

— Mohamed Elmaazi (@MElmaazi) September 15, 2020

... who exercise prosecutorial discretion on his behalf, they are merely ‘his hand.’” https://t.co/iyFqoW9g2z

A profound shift in the view of the DOJ and presidential authority, argues Mr Lewis.

— Mohamed Elmaazi (@MElmaazi) September 15, 2020

Cross-examination of Mr Lewis has finished.

Re-examination begins with Ed Fitzgerald QC asking questions for Defence.

— Mohamed Elmaazi (@MElmaazi) September 15, 2020

#JulianAssange hearings Part 2 - Day 6 (Thread)

Court is scheduled to sit from 10:00 am.

Testimony of Eric Lewis, US criminal defence lawyer w/ experience in nat sec cases, to continue from yesterday after video link tech problems ended the hearing early.

via @SputnikInt pic.twitter.com/GXRnAKmjxv

— Mohamed Elmaazi (@MElmaazi) September 15, 2020