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extradition_skeleton_argument [2020/02/25 20:18] editor9367251490216extradition_skeleton_argument [2020/02/27 00:33] (current) editor9367251490216
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 "It is the exclusive function of the court of the requesting state to try the issues relevant to the guilt or otherwise of the individual. This necessarily includes deciding what evidence is admissible, and what weight should be given to particular pieces of evidence having regard to the way in which an investigation was carried out. It is for the trial court in the requesting state to find the facts about how evidence was obtained, which may go to admissibility or weight, both of which are matters for the court conducting the trial. It is the function of that court to decide whether evidence was improperly obtained and if so what the consequences for the trail are. It is for the trial court to decide whether its own procedures have been breached." "It is the exclusive function of the court of the requesting state to try the issues relevant to the guilt or otherwise of the individual. This necessarily includes deciding what evidence is admissible, and what weight should be given to particular pieces of evidence having regard to the way in which an investigation was carried out. It is for the trial court in the requesting state to find the facts about how evidence was obtained, which may go to admissibility or weight, both of which are matters for the court conducting the trial. It is the function of that court to decide whether evidence was improperly obtained and if so what the consequences for the trail are. It is for the trial court to decide whether its own procedures have been breached."
  
-That allegations of bad faith in the prosecution of an individual are a matter for investigation  +That allegations of bad faith in the prosecution of an individual are a matter for investigation by the Court, in the requesting state, and only exceptionally a matter...
-by the Court, in the requesting state, and only exceptionally a matter...+
  
 === PAGE 15 === === PAGE 15 ===
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 ==== A. Witnesses ==== ==== A. Witnesses ====
  
-1. **Eric Lewis**+**1. Eric Lewis**
  
 70. Eric Lewis has provided three witness statements (core bundle tabs 3 and 24), which are relied upon in relation to abuse. The first statement [core bundle tab 3] addresses: (i) where will Mr Assange be held pretrial; (ii) under what regime will Mr Assange be held on remand (this evidence goes to administrative detention and Special Administrative Measures); (iii) what restrictions will be applied to him and/or his counsel on access to classified information essential for his defence; (iv) what is Mr Assange’s potential criminal sentence; (v) where would Mr Assange serve his sentence if convicted. 70. Eric Lewis has provided three witness statements (core bundle tabs 3 and 24), which are relied upon in relation to abuse. The first statement [core bundle tab 3] addresses: (i) where will Mr Assange be held pretrial; (ii) under what regime will Mr Assange be held on remand (this evidence goes to administrative detention and Special Administrative Measures); (iii) what restrictions will be applied to him and/or his counsel on access to classified information essential for his defence; (iv) what is Mr Assange’s potential criminal sentence; (v) where would Mr Assange serve his sentence if convicted.
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 === PAGE 19 === === PAGE 19 ===
  
-(24027/07): Al-Fawwaz v United Kingdom (67354/09); Bary v United Kingdom +(24027/07): Al-Fawwaz v United Kingdom (67354/09); Bary v United Kingdom (66911/09); Mustafa (aka Abu Hamza) v United Kingdom (36742/08); Ahsan v United Kingdom (11949/08) (2013) 56 E.ll.R.R. 1
-(66911/09); Mustafa (aka Abu Hamza) v United Kingdom (36742/08); Ahsan v United +
-Kingdom (11949/08) (2013) 56 E.ll.R.R. 1+
  
-Mr Lewis's second affidavit concerns the alleged political motivation behind the +73. Mr Lewis's second affidavit concerns the alleged political motivation behind the prosecution of Mr. Assange. If admissible, it can only go to the express statutory bar in section 81.
-prosecution of Mr. Assange. If admissible, it can only go to the express statutory bar in +
-section 81.+
  
-Finally, Mr Lewis‘s third statement (served on 13 January 2020) is directed squarely at +74. Finally, Mr Lewis‘s third statement (served on 13 January 2020) is directed squarely at the question of '...whether there is evidence that the prosecution of Mr Assange is politically motivated' [§2]. If admissible, it also goes only to section 81.
-the question of '...whether there is evidence that the prosecution of Mr Assange is +
-politically motivated' [§2]. If admissible, it also goes only to section 81.+
  
-2. **Feldstein**+**2. Feldstein**
  
-75. The statement of Professor Feldstein (journalism historian) statement is at Tab 18 of the core bundle. It sets out the history of publishing national security documents in America, the history of prosecutions arising from such actions, and purported importance of the defendant’s actions. It concludes that Mr Assange’s prosecution is a politically motivated one and, like other evidence in this case, seeks to assimilate the prosecution of Mr Assange into what is described as a campaign by President Trump against the press. It is noted that this statement, like others, steps around President Trump’s stated support for +75. The statement of Professor Feldstein (journalism historian) statement is at Tab 18 of the core bundle. It sets out the history of publishing national security documents in America, the history of prosecutions arising from such actions, and purported importance of the defendant’s actions. It concludes that Mr Assange’s prosecution is a politically motivated one and, like other evidence in this case, seeks to assimilate the prosecution of Mr Assange into what is described as a campaign by President Trump against the press. It is noted that this statement, like others, steps around President Trump’s stated support for Wikileaks in the past.
-Wikileaks in the past.+
  
-76. Setting that to one side, this statement constitutes allegations which fall squarely within +76. Setting that to one side, this statement constitutes allegations which fall squarely within s.81 (extraneous considerations) and s.87 (article 10 convention rights) submissions. It gives rise to no residual issue. As set out above, it is not the function of the extradition court to investigate press freedom concerns in the US (the focus of the investigation cannot be the rights of third parties). Even insofar as Mr Assange seeks to argue that his extradition will engage his Article 10 rights to freedom of expression, it will be submitted in due course, that Article 10 does not confer any right to take part [in] criminal acts (like theft, burglary or computer hacking) so as to obtain information in the first instance and is not engaged by the publication of the. identities of sources.
-s.81 (extraneous considerations) and s.87 (article 10 convention rights) submissions. It +
-gives rise to no residual issue. As set out above, it is not the function of the extradition +
-court to investigate press freedom concerns in the US (the focus of the investigation +
-cannot be the rights of third parties). Even insofar as Mr Assange seeks to argue that his +
-extradition will engage his Article 10 rights to freedom of expression, it will be submitted +
-in due course, that Article 10 does not confer any right to take part criminal acts (like +
-theft, burglary or computer hacking) so as to obtain information in the first instance and +
-is not engaged by the publication of the. identities of sources.+
  
-3 . **Prince**+**3. Prince**
  
-77. Bridget Prince’s two affidavits are at Tab 13 of the core bundle. They concern the +77. Bridget Prince’s two affidavits are at Tab 13 of the core bundle. They concern the potential jury pool for Mr. Assange’s trial in the Eastern District of Virginia, and what is alleged to be a narrow pool available (affidavit 1). Her evidence also goes to public statements relating to the defendant (affidavit 2). It is presumed that this evidence goes to the potential contamination of the pool or to demonstrating the political nature of the statement made against Mr Assange.
-potential jury pool for Mr. Assange’s trial in the Eastern District of Virginia, and what is +
-alleged to be a narrow pool available (affidavit 1). Her evidence also goes to public +
-statements relating to the defendant (affidavit 2). It is presumed that this evidence goes +
-to the potential contamination of the pool or to demonstrating the political nature of the +
-statement made against Mr Assange.+
  
-78. Evidence going to the lack of independence of a Jury or the potential contamination of a jury is an Article 6 issue (again it is to be noted that the threshold to be met before+78. Evidence going to the lack of independence of a Jury or the potential contamination of a jury is an Article 6 issue (again it is to be noted that the threshold to be met before ...
  
 === PAGE 20 === === PAGE 20 ===
  
-statements by public officials or political figures will engage Article 6 is a high one;  +... statements by public officials or political figures will engage Article 6 is a high one; Ali v UK (2016) 62 E.H.R.R. 7).
-Ali v UK (2016) 62 E.H.R.R. 7).+
  
-79. A third statement by Ms Prince was served on 13 February 2020. This appears to be +79. A third statement by Ms Prince was served on 13 February 2020. This appears to be intended to fortify the allegation that there is a link between surveillance on the Ecuadorian embassy and an individual who supports President Trump. Allegations going to surveillance are dealt with below.
-intended to fortify the allegation that there is a link between surveillance on the Ecuadorian embassy and an individual who supports President Trump. Allegations going+
-to surveillance are dealt with below.+
  
-4. **Boyle**+**4. Boyle**
  
-80. Mr. Boyle‘s statement is at tab 5 of the core bundle. It addresses the issue of subpoenas to testify before federal grand juries and how those laws have been applied in the case of Chelsea Manning. As noted above, this is said to demonstrate how extraneous influences are at work in the prosecution of Mr Assange.+80. Mr. Boyle‘s statement is at tab 5 of the core bundle. It addresses the issue of subpoenas to testify before federal grand juries and how those laws have been applied in the case of Chelsea Manning. As noted above, this is said to demonstrate how extraneous influences are at work in the prosecution of Mr Assange.
  
-81. Mr Boyle makes clear that an individual called to give evidence before a Grand Jury can assert the privilege against self— incrimination [30] and that Ms Manning has the benefit of immunity as regards the use and derivative use of any evidence that she gives [44]. Mr Boyle’s evidence is based upon Ms Manning’s argument that she gave "an exhaustive sworn statement before the Military Court ....and which truthfully set forth the full extent of her knowledge..." [45]. He also relies upon her assertions that the request that she provide evidence (under immunity) is 'vindictive and politically motivated' [cited at 48]. As is clear at §55, the main plank of his opinion appears to be that because a superseding indictment has been issued against Mr Assange, Ms Manning must be detained so that the prosecution can 'preview' her evidence for the defence or gather evidence for the+81. Mr Boyle makes clear that an individual called to give evidence before a Grand Jury can assert the privilege against self—incrimination [30] and that Ms Manning has the benefit of immunity as regards the use and derivative use of any evidence that she gives [44]. Mr Boyle’s evidence is based upon Ms Manning’s argument that she gave "an exhaustive sworn statement before the Military Court ....and which truthfully set forth the full extent of her knowledge..." [45]. He also relies upon her assertions that the request that she provide evidence (under immunity) is 'vindictive and politically motivated' [cited at 48]. As is clear at §55, the main plank of his opinion appears to be that because a superseding indictment has been issued against Mr Assange, Ms Manning must be detained so that the prosecution can 'preview' her evidence for the defence or gather evidence for the
 prosecution. The essence of the statement is thus a complaint that the treatment of Ms. Manning, and specifically her incarceration in contempt of court following her refusal to testify in grand jury proceedings, is punitive and an abuse of the grand jury process. prosecution. The essence of the statement is thus a complaint that the treatment of Ms. Manning, and specifically her incarceration in contempt of court following her refusal to testify in grand jury proceedings, is punitive and an abuse of the grand jury process.
  
 82. This is not capable of giving rise to an abuse of this Court’s process: 82. This is not capable of giving rise to an abuse of this Court’s process:
- +  * 82.1 First: the incarceration of Ms. Manning for refusing to testify cannot amount to an abuse of the extradition courts in this country, in a case concerning Mr. Assange. 
-82.1 **First**: the incarceration of Ms. Manning for refusing to testify cannot amount to an +  82.2 Second: As the statement of Mr Boyle makes clear, the issue here is not even that Ms Manning has been coerced to give evidence against Mr Assange which could be used at his trial (this is not the function of the Grand Jury). Even if it was, this does not constitute an abuse (see Symeou on coerced evidence at [25] and [39])  
-abuse of the extradition courts in this country, in a case concerning Mr. Assange. +  82.3 Third: to the extent that it is deployed to show extraneous influences, this is the defendant’s political motivation argument. 
- +  82.4 Fourth: as noted in the further affidavit of Mr. Kromberg [§§121 - 165, but in particular §§157 to 165], the history of Ms Manning's litigation shows the "extraordinary level of due process" she has been afforded. Mr. Boyle lacks the appropriate knowledge to express an  opinion on whether Ms Manning was ...
-82.2 **Second**: As the statement of Mr Boyle makes clear, the issue here is not even that +
-Ms Manning has been coerced to give evidence against Mr Assange which could +
-be used at his trial (this is not the fimction of the Grand Jury). Even if it was, this +
-does not constitute an abuse (see Symeou on coerced evidence at [25] and [39])  +
- +
-82.3 **Third**: to the extent that it is deployed to show extraneous influences, this 15 +
-defendant’s political motivation argument. +
- +
-82.4 **Fourth**: as noted in the further affidavit of Mr. Kromberg [§§121 - 165, but in particular §§157 to 165], the history of Ms Manning's litigation shows the "extraordinary level of due process" she has-been afforded. Mr. Boyle lacks the appropriate knowledge to express an  opinion on whether Ms Manning was+
  
 === PAGE 21 === === PAGE 21 ===
  
-properly subpoenaed, and in any event these arguments were litigated successively by Ms Manning before the US Courts, unsuccessfully.+  * ... properly subpoenaed, and in any event these arguments were litigated successively by Ms Manning before the US Courts, unsuccessfully.
  
-5. **Tigar**+** 5. Tigar**
  
 83. Professor Tigar‘s evidence at Tab 23 sets out his conclusions in a summary at page 2 of his witness statement. They are: 83. Professor Tigar‘s evidence at Tab 23 sets out his conclusions in a summary at page 2 of his witness statement. They are:
 +  * (i) The superseding indictment represents “an unprecedented advance on US prosecutions who obtain and publish truthful information"
 +  * (ii) The interpretation of USC §793 in the indictment is overbroad and unduly vague.
 +  * (iii) The “choice of targets" reflects political motivation.
 +  * (iv) The indictment reflects a “constricted view" of the right to free expression.
 +  * (v) Wikileaks is a journalistic enterprise
 +  * (vi) The US courts have taken a narrow view of judicial review and Mr. Assange "would very likely not have the right to make an effective defense to the charges".
 +  * (vii) The US government systematically over-classifies relevant information.
 +  * (viii) The separation of powers is being eroded with knock-on consequences for the defendant’s fair trial rights.
  
-(i) The superseding indictment represents “an unprecedented advance on US prosecutions who obtain and publish truthful information" +84. Issues (i)(iv)(v)(vi)(viiand (viiiall relate to the defendant’s article 6 or 10 Convention rights.
- +
-(iiThe interpretation of USC §793 in the indictment is overbroad and unduly vague. +
- +
-(iiiThe “choice of targets" reflects political motivation. +
- +
-(ivThe indictment reflects a “constricted view" of the right to free expression. +
- +
-(vWikileaks is a journalistic enterprise +
- +
-(viThe US courts have taken a narrow view of judicial review and Mr. Assange "would very likely not have the right to make an effective defense to the charges"+
- +
-(vii) The US government systematically over-classifies relevant information.+
  
-(viiiThe separation of powers is being eroded with knock on consequences for the defendant’s fair trial rights.+85. Issue (iiirelates to the defendant’s s.81 extraneous considerations argument. As set out, throughout this argument, the defence cannot run a political motivation argument whilst simultaneously running the same argument as an abuse of process - this is expressly precluded by the case law cited above.
  
-84Issues (i), (iv)(v)(vi), (viiand (viii) all relate to the defendant’s article 6 or 10 +86In relation to issue (ii), whether the indictment is overbroad and unduly vague that (iraises an issue under Article 7 (no punishment without lawand (iiin any event is a matter which the defendant can litigate in the United States; see Kromberg at §§169 - 71. Indeedas is clear, the United States authorities strongly contest any suggestion that the behaviour of the defendant was not a clear violation of a law which was sufficiently precise; Kromberg §7, §§169-17. This is a matter (if it has any forcewhich obviously ought to be adjudicated upon by the US courts.
-Convention rights.+
  
-85. Issue (iii) relates to the defendant’s s.81 extraneous considerations argument. As set out, throughout this argument, the defence cannot run a political motivation argument whilst simultaneously running the same argument as an abuse of process - this is expressly precluded by the caselaw cited above.+**6Jaffer**
  
-86. In relation to issue (ii), whether the indictment is overbroad and unduly vague that (i) +87. Jameel Jaffer’s statement is at Tab 22 of the Core Bundle. It concerns Mr Jaffer's contention that the prosecution of Mr. Assange poses a "grave threat to press freedom", the public interest in publishing classified information, and the contention that the Espionage Act has been used increasingly aggressively and in selective fashion by prosecutors.
-raises an issue under Article 7 (no punishment without law) and (ii) in any event is a +
-matter which the defendant can litigate in the United States; see Kromberg at §§169 - 71. +
-Indeed, as is clear, the United States authorities strongly contest any suggestion that the +
-behaviour of the defendant was not a clear violation of a law which was sufficiently +
-precise; Kromberg §7, §§169-17. This is a matter (if it has any force) which obviously +
-ought to be adjudicated upon by the US courts. +
- +
-6. **Jaffer** +
- +
-87. Jameel Jaffer’s statement is at Tab 22 of the Core Bundle. It concerns Mr Jaffer's contention that the prosecution of Mr. Assange poses a "grave threat to press freedom", the public interest in publishing classified information, and the contention that the Espionage Act has been used increasingly aggressively and in selective fashion by +
-prosecutors.+
  
 === PAGE 22 === === PAGE 22 ===
  
-88. The observation is repeated that it is not the function of this Court to vouchsafe the +88. The observation is repeated that it is not the function of this Court to vouchsafe the freedom of the press in the United States. Its focus must on the Defendant and whether these extradition proceedings are an abuse of process: that through bad faith the defendant has been deprived of a challenge he could otherwise make in these proceedings or in the United States of America This evidence is not accepted as relevant or admissible, but in so far as it isit can only go to Article 10 and section 87.
-freedom of the press in the United States. Its focus must on the Defendant and whether +
-these extradition proceedings are an abuse of process: that through bad faith the +
-defendant has been deprived of a challenge he could otherwise make in these proceedings +
-or in the United States of America This evidence is not accepted as relevant or +
-admissible, but in so far as it isit can only go to Article 10 and section 87.+
  
-89. In addition, as the Kromberg Affidavit makes clear, it is also open to the Defendant to +89. In addition, as the Kromberg Affidavit makes clear, it is also open to the Defendant to argue in the United States of America at trial that he has been selectively prosecuted under the US Constitution [§l7].
-argue in the United States of America at trial that he has been selectively prosecuted +
-under the US Constitution [§l7].+
  
-7. **Pollack**+**7. Pollack**
  
-90. Mr Pollack’s statement may be found at Tab 19 of the core bundle. It is entirely concerned with the procedure at any future trial and whether the defendant can receive a fair trial. Again, this falls squarely within Article 6 and section 87 argument. It is to be noted at +90. Mr Pollack’s statement may be found at Tab 19 of the core bundle. It is entirely concerned with the procedure at any future trial and whether the defendant can receive a fair trial. Again, this falls squarely within Article 6 and section 87 argument. It is to be noted at this juncture that, insofar as he and other witnesses raise issues as to Mr Assange’s ability to access classified material pre-trial, that the protections appear to go beyond those available in this jurisdiction (see Mr Pollack’s explanation of his being licensed to access classified material [13]).
-this juncture that, insofar as he and other witnesses raise issues as to Mr Assange’s ability +
-to access classified material pre-trial, that the protections appear to go beyond those +
-available in this jurisdiction (see Mr Pollack’s explanation of his being licensed to access +
-classified material [13]).+
  
-8. **Shenkman**+**8. Shenkman**
  
-91. Mr. Shenkman’s statement contains a history of the Espionage Acts, and the Computer +91. Mr. Shenkman’s statement contains a history of the Espionage Acts, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. The best guide to his evidence is set out in his conclusions at §41. He concludes that there is no precedent for the US Espionage Acts extraterritorial application to a publisher of leaked information. He criticises the Espionage Act for its lack of a proportionality defence, and criticises both Acts for lack of definition.
-Fraud and Abuse Act. The best guide to his-evidence is set out in his conclusions at §41. +
-He concludes that there is no precedent for the US Espionage Acts extraterritorial +
-application to a publisher of leaked information. He criticises the Espionage Act for its +
-lack of a proportionality defence, and criticises both Acts for lack of definition.+
  
-92. As set out above, it is not within this Court’s jurisdiction to investigate or police the +92. As set out above, it is not within this Court’s jurisdiction to investigate or police the drafting or application of foreign law or wider press freedom issues. Furthermore, to the extent that Mr. Shenkman avers that the Espionage Act is impermissibly vague, or that the Mr. Assange’s acts should be lawful by reference to his flee speech rights, then first: these are issues which go to Article 10 and 7. Second it is clear that these are highly contentious issues in the United States [Kromberg §7, §§169-171]. Third: these are issues which are eminently for the US Courts [Kromberg §69~71].
-drafting or application of foreign law or wider press freedom issues. Furthermore, to the +
-extent that Mr. Shenkman avers that the Espionage Act is impermissibly vague, or that +
-the Mr. Assange’s acts should be lawful by reference to his flee speech rights, then first: +
-these are issues which go to Article 10 and 7. Second it is clear that these are highly +
-contentious issues in the United States [Kromberg §7, §§169-171]. Third: these are +
-issues which are eminently for the US 'Courts [Kromberg §69~71].+
  
-9. **Durkin**+**9. Durkin**
  
 93. Mr Durkin’s statement may be found at Tab 17. His statement addresses five issues: 93. Mr Durkin’s statement may be found at Tab 17. His statement addresses five issues:
- +  * (i) Access by the defence to evidence in the trial process; 
-(i) Access by the defence to evidence in the trial process; +  (ii) Access by the defence to classified material in trial process”; 
- +  (iii) The discovery procedure and the “unprecedented volume of material"; 
-(ii) Access by the defence to classified material in trial process”; +  (iv) Plea bargaining/ “trial tax”; 
- +  (v) The rule of specialty and sentencing.
-(iii) The discovery procedure and the “unprecedented volume of material"; +
- +
-(iv) Plea bargaining/ “trial tax”; +
- +
-(v) The rule of specialty and sentencing.+
  
 === PAGE 23 === === PAGE 23 ===
  
-94. This evidence is repetitive of evidence considered above. As must be clear it goes to +94. This evidence is repetitive of evidence considered above. As must be clear it goes to whether Mr Assange can have a fair trial (although it is observed that even at this juncture the sorts of issues raised fall well short of any flagrant breach of Article 6 [see, for example, his complaint about the visiting hours]). Issue (v) relates to the specialty arrangement between the UK and the USA. This is a matter which can be raised before 
-whether Mr Assange can have a fair trial (although it is observed that even at this juncture +the Secretary of State pursuant to s.95 of the 2003 Act. The issue of US sentencing practice and whether it comports with specialty has been exhaustively considered Welsh, Thrasher v The Secretary of State for the Home Department the Government of the United States of America [2007] 1 W.L.R. 1281 [2007] 1 W.L.R. 1281.
-the sorts of issues raised fall well short of any flagrant breach of Article 6 [see, for +
-example, his complaint about the visiting hours]). Issue (v) relates to the specialty +
-arrangement between the UK and the USA. This is a matter which can be raised before +
-the Secretary of State pursuant to s.95 of the 2003 Act. The issue of US sentencing +
-practice and whether it comports with specialty has been exhaustively considered Welsh, +
-Thrasher v The Secretary of State for the Home Department the Government of the +
-United States of America [2007] 1 W.L.R. 1281 [2007] 1 W.L.R. 1281.+
  
-10. **Ellis**+**10. Ellis**
  
-95. Yancey Ellis’ statement may be found at Tab 15 of the Core Bundle. It deals entirely +95. Yancey Ellis’ statement may be found at Tab 15 of the Core Bundle. It deals entirely with prison conditions in Alexandria jail and matters which may be material to Convention rights (although, again it is noted that many of these have already been determined as not precluding extradition to the United States).
-with prison conditions in Alexandria jail and matters which may be material to +
-Convention rights (although, again it is noted that many of these have already been +
-determined as not precluding extradition to the United States).+
  
 11. **Goodwin-Gill** 11. **Goodwin-Gill**
  
-96. Professor Goodwin - Gill’s evidence may be found at Tab 25 of the Core Bundle. The +96. Professor Goodwin - Gill’s evidence may be found at Tab 25 of the Core Bundle. The relevance of this evidence to these extradition proceedings is unclear. Professor Goodwin-Gill sets out an account of visiting Mr Assange for a “legal conference” (although as is clear it was not a privileged conference as it involved the attendance of Ecuadorian officials). He states he left a tablet and phone ‘at the door’. He states that he was shocked that his participation in the conference may have been shared with others and that his electronic equipment may have been copied. The broader issue of the alleged surveillance of the embassy is dealt with below. It suffices to state here that there is nothing in Mr Goodwin Gill’s statement which relates to the extradition process.
-relevance of this evidence to these extradition proceedings is unclear. Professor +
-Goodwin-Gill sets out an account of visiting Mr Assange for a “legal conference” +
-(although as is clear it was not a privileged conference as it involved the attendance of +
-Ecuadorian officials). He states he left a tablet and phone ‘at the door’. He states that he +
-was shocked that his participation in the conference may have been shared with others +
-and that his electronic equipment may have been copied. The broader issue of the alleged +
-surveillance of the embassy is dealt with below. It suffices to state here that there is +
-nothing in Mr Goodwin Gill’s statement which relates to the extradition process.+
  
-B. Submissions on each POA 
  
-1//§7 First of the POA//+==== BSubmissions of each POA ====
  
-97The particular is that the request is politically motivated at root. This, which is denied, is +**1//§7 First of the POA;//**
-obviously to be dealt with under section 79 and 81 of the Act.+
  
-98. This is, in any event, mere superstition and allegation (much of which does not cohere).  +97. The particular is that the request is politically motivated at root. This, which is denied, is obviously to be dealt with under section 79 and 81 of the Act. 
-It is clear beyond argument that there is an overwhelming case of computer misuse and  + 
-disclosure of classified sources. These are serious crimes and the prosecution is  +98. This is, in any event, mere superstition and allegation (much of which does not cohere). It is clear beyond argument that there is an overwhelming case of computer misuse and  disclosure of classified sources. These are serious crimes and the prosecution is undertaken by independent prosecutors in the United States of America. Moreover, per ...
-undertaken by independent prosecutors in the United States of America. Moreover, per+
  
 === PAGE 24 === === PAGE 24 ===
  
-Symeou and Atanasova (supra) that these allegations will be tried before an independent +... Symeou and Atanasova (supra) that these allegations will be tried before an independent judiciary, puts them beyond the examination by the extradition court.
-judiciary, puts them beyond the examination by the extradition court.+
  
-2. //§7 Second of the POA;//+**2. //§7 Second of the POA;//**
  
-99. The particular is knowing that publishing state secrets has been held to be lawful by the US Supreme Court, the US Government nonetheless brings this prosecution. This is +99. The particular isknowing that publishing state secrets has been held to be lawful by the US Supreme Court, the US Government nonetheless brings this prosecution. This is arrant nonsense. It is clear beyond argument that what is alleged (complicity in illegal acts to obtain classified documents, an agreement and an attempt to obtain classified infomation through computer hacking and the disclosure of the identity of classified sources which might lead to their serious mistreatment or even death) is illegal. It is illegal both here and in the United States of America.
-arrant nonsense. It is clear beyond argument that what is alleged (complicity in illegal +
-acts to obtain classified documents, an agreement and an attempt to obtain classified +
-infomation through computer hacking and the disclosure of the identity of classIfied +
-sources » which might lead to their serious mistreatment or even death) is illegal. It is +
-illegal both here and in the United States of America.+
  
-3. //§7 Third of the POA;//+**3. //§7 Third of the POA;//**
  
-100. The particular is that the prosecution was then deliberately situated in Alexandria, a jury pool known to contain an abnormally high proportion of government employees and +100. The particular is that the prosecution was then deliberately situated in Alexandria, a jury pool known to contain an abnormally high proportion of government employees and contractors. This, which is denied, is obviously to be dealt with under Article 6 and section 87 of the Act.
-contractors. This, which is denied, is obviously to be dealt with under Article 6 and +
-section 87 of the Act.+
  
-101. Moreover, this is nonsense. The prosecution is brought by the Eastern District of +101. Moreover, this is nonsense. The prosecution is brought by the Eastern District of Virginia. The Federal system is the same throughout the United States of America.
-Virginia. The Federal system is the same throughout the United States of America.+
  
-4. //§7 Fourth of the POA//+**4. //§7 Fourth of the POA;//**
  
 102. The particular is that the US Government from early 2017 onwards engaged in a 102. The particular is that the US Government from early 2017 onwards engaged in a
Line 639: Line 534:
 denied, is obviously to be dealt with under Article 6 and section 87 of the Act. denied, is obviously to be dealt with under Article 6 and section 87 of the Act.
  
-5. //§7 Fifth of the POA//+**5. //§7 Fifth of the POA;//**
  
-103. The particular is that in August 2017 a pardon was offered to Mr Assange by +103. The particular is that in August 2017 a pardon was offered to Mr Assange by intermediaries close to the President.
-intermediaries close to the President.+
  
 104. The evidence does not support this bald statement. The late affidavit of Jennifer Robinson (served on 14 February 2020) speaks of a “pardon, assurance or agreement”. If this offer is true it cannot amount to an abuse of process. Day in day out in all criminal justice systems defendants are offered immunity, lesser pleas and other indictments to cooperate with the authorities. In the United Kingdom there is even a statutory basis for  104. The evidence does not support this bald statement. The late affidavit of Jennifer Robinson (served on 14 February 2020) speaks of a “pardon, assurance or agreement”. If this offer is true it cannot amount to an abuse of process. Day in day out in all criminal justice systems defendants are offered immunity, lesser pleas and other indictments to cooperate with the authorities. In the United Kingdom there is even a statutory basis for 
-granting immunity. Sections 71 to 74 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005  allows immunity for serious crimes to be granted in return for co-operation. See +granting immunity. Sections 71 to 74 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005  allows immunity for serious crimes to be granted in return for co-operation. See also McKinnon v USA [2008] UKHL 59 [33] which makes this unarguable as a head of abuse.
-also McKinnon v USA [2008] UKHL 59 [33] Which makes this unarguable as a head of abuse.+
  
 === PAGE 25 === === PAGE 25 ===
  
-105. The alleged of for was rejected by the defendant so no deal was made. It is impossible to see how this can show a bad faith manipulation of the English extradition proceedings.+105. The alleged offor was rejected by the defendant so no deal was made. It is impossible to see how this can show a bad faith manipulation of the English extradition proceedings.
  
-6. //§7 Sixth of the POA//+**6. //§7 Sixth of the POA;//**
  
-106. The particular is that the US proceeded (against all international legal norms) to violate +106. The particular is that the US proceeded (against all international legal norms) to violate Mr Assange‘s asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy. This is simply wrong and the evidence does not substantiate this allegation. But even if it were true, the defendant was a fugitive from justice (as regards the United Kingdom authorities) and a suspect in the United States while in the embassy. Mr Assange’s grant of asylum was not an immunity. The 
-Mr Assange‘s asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy. This is simply wrong and the evidence +rule of international law simply makes the embassy of a foreign state inviolate unless the foreign state invites the host country in.
-does not substantiate this allegation. But even if it were true, the defendant was a fugitive +
-from justice (as regards the United Kingdom authorities) and a suspect in the United +
-States while in the embassy. Mr Assange’s grant of asylum was not an immunity. The +
-rule of international law simply makes the embassy of a foreign state inviolate unless the +
-foreign state invites the host country in.+
  
-107. One would expect both the United States of America and the United Kingdom to do all +107. One would expect both the United States of America and the United Kingdom to do all they could in their relations with Ecuador to persuade it that Mr Assange should not escape justice indefinitely. That course was reasonable and lawful. Again, it is impossible to characterise this as a bad faith manipulation of the English extradition proceedings.
-they could in their relations with Ecuador to persuade it that Mr Assange should not +
-escape justice indefinitely. That course was reasonable and lawful. Again, it is impossible +
-to characterise this as a bad faith manipulation of the English extradition proceedings.+
  
-108. In fact, the defendant’s asylum was not violated and the Ecuadorian Embassy’s +108. In fact, the defendant’s asylum was not violated and the Ecuadorian Embassy’s inviolability was adhered to, showing respect for international law. The arrest by the Metropolitan police, upon the invitation of the government of Ecuador, was unquestionably lawful.
-inviolability was adhered to, showing respect for international law. The arrest by the +
-Metropolitan police, upon the invitation of the government of Ecuador, was +
-unquestionably lawful.+
  
-7. //§7 Seventh of the POA//+**7. //§7 Seventh of the POA;//**
  
-109. The particular is that when (through its unlawful acts) the US Government learned that +109. The particular is that when (through its unlawful acts) the US Government learned that Mr Assange was being given diplomatic status (on 21 December 2017), it issued its criminal complaint and sought a provisional extradition request on the same day. This is utterly incapable of amounting to an abuse of process.
-Mr Assange was being given diplomatic status (on 21 December 2017), it issued its +
-criminal complaint and sought a provisional extradition request on the same day. This is +
-utterly incapable of amounting to an abuse of process.+
  
-110. Fugitives have attempted (unsuccessfully) to use diplomatic status to avoid extradition +110. Fugitives have attempted (unsuccessfully) to use diplomatic status to avoid extradition (see Teja and Osman). Osman became a Liberian ambassador (by paying $1m) to avoid extradition. The Divisional Court held his diplomatic status was irrelevant as it had not been recognised by the Court of St James in the United Kingdom. Only accredited diplomats enjoyed diplomatic immunity in the United Kingdom and a diplomat could only be accredited by the court of St James (which had a discretion whether or not to accredit). It follows, even if the defendant had been made a diplomat while in the Ecuador embassy he could not have enjoyed diplomatic immunity. A State will be astute to ensure that a grant of diplomatic status is not a device to assist an individual to evade justice.
-(see Teja and Osman). Osman became a Liberian ambassador (by paying $1m) to avoid +
-extradition. The Divisional Court held his diplomatic status was irrelevant as it had not +
-been recognised by the Court of St James in the United Kingdom. Only accredited +
-diplomats enjoyed diplomatic immunity in the United Kingdom and a diplomat could +
-only be accredited by the court of St James (which had a discretion whether or not to +
-accredit). It follows, even if the defendant had been made a diplomat while in the Ecuador  +
-embassy he could not have enjoyed diplomatic immunity. A State will be astute to ensure +
-that a grant of diplomatic status is not a device to assist an individual to evade justice.+
  
-If true, it cannot even approach a bad faith manipulation of the English extradition +If true, it cannot even approach a bad faith manipulation of the English extradition proceedings. If true, the United States of America did exactly the right and proper thing.
-proceedings. If true, the United States of America did exactly the right and proper thing.+
  
 === PAGE 26 === === PAGE 26 ===
  
-8.  //§7 Eighth of the POA;//+**8.  //§7 Eighth of the POA;//**
  
-112. The particular is that the request for a provisional an'est warrant in December 2017 defied the prohibition on extradition for political offences contained in the Anglo-US Treaty.+112. The particular is that the request for a provisional arrest warrant in December 2017 defied the prohibition on extradition for political offences contained in the Anglo-US Treaty.
  
-113. This is the subject matter ot‘ the separate submission by the defence that the defendant can avail himself ot‘ treaty provisions. This particular is miseoneeived. For example in the 1972 treaty there remained the requirement for a prima facie case to be presented. Howeverthe Divisional Court in Norris held that no such requirement was within the 2003 Act. If this particular could be capable of abuse all extraditions such as Norris were abusive, which they clearly were not.+113. This is the subject matter of the separate submission by the defence that the defendant can avail himself of treaty provisions. This particular is misconceived. For example in the 1972 treaty there remained the requirement for a //prima facie// case to be presented. Howeverthe Divisional Court in Norris held that no such requirement was within the 2003 Act. If this particular could be capable of abuse all extraditions such as Norris were abusive, which they clearly were not.
  
-114. It is self evident that if a defendant is not entitled as a matter of law to avail himself of a challenge (in this case prima facie evidence), conduct depriving him of such a challenge +114. It is self evident that if a defendant is not entitled as a matter of law to avail himself of a challenge (in this case //prima facie// evidence), conduct depriving him of such a challenge cannot be an abuse of process: he suffers no prejudice by the alleged abuse. The operation of law has deprived him ofthe challenge.
-cannot be an abuse of process: he suffers no prejudice by the alleged abuse. The operation +
-of law has deprived him ofthe challenge.+
  
-9. //§7 Ninth of the POA//+**9. //§7 Ninth of the POA;//**
  
-115. This particular is that from February 2018 onwards, to execute its request, the US +115. This particular is that from February 2018 onwards, to execute its request, the US government engaged in diplomatic pressure on Ecuador to withdraw asylum. Again, if correct, there is nothing remotely wrong in this and it is to be expected. This is not different from particulars 6 and 7 above.
-government engaged in diplomatic pressure on Ecuador to withdraw asylum. Again, if +
-correct, there is nothing remotely wrong in this and it is to be expected. This is not +
-different from particulars 6 and 7 above.+
  
-10. //§ 7 Tenth of the POA//+**10. //§ 7 Tenth of the POA//**
  
-116. This particular concerns surveillance and allegations over LPP. It requires a more +116. This particular concerns surveillance and allegations over LPP. It requires a more detailed analysis as it appears to be a cornerstone of the defendant’s complaint.
-detailed analysis as it appears to be a cornerstone of the defendant’s complaint.+
  
 117. However, it is firstly noted that no prejudice to the defendant’s ability to make a challenge" to his extradition is alleged or particularised. Given that the US prosecutors will never see and cannot use any LPP materials and that no LPP materials form part of the request, there is no possible basis for alleging the type of prejudice articulated as necessary by Laws LJ (ante). There is no nexus of prejudice between the complained of conduct and these extradition proceedings. 117. However, it is firstly noted that no prejudice to the defendant’s ability to make a challenge" to his extradition is alleged or particularised. Given that the US prosecutors will never see and cannot use any LPP materials and that no LPP materials form part of the request, there is no possible basis for alleging the type of prejudice articulated as necessary by Laws LJ (ante). There is no nexus of prejudice between the complained of conduct and these extradition proceedings.
  
-118. Mr Assange has issued a criminal complaint in Spain (on 29 July 2019) through his +118. Mr Assange has issued a criminal complaint in Spain (on 29 July 2019) through his lawyer in Spain [Bundle D, Second Statement of Mr Jimenez] about alleged surveillance and these matters are under investigation there; a search has been conducted at the home and office of the accused [First statement of Ms Peirce §34] and the accused has been arrested and questioned [§34]. It is also suggested that the witnesses have been given 
-lawyer in Spain [Bundle D, Second Statement of Mr Jimenez] about alleged surveillance +‘protected status’ [§34]; Mr Assange has been asked to provide evidence pursuant to a European Investigation Order [34] (it is understood that Mr Assange provided that evidence in Westminster Magistrates’ Court).
-and these matters are under investigation there; a search has been conducted at the home +
-and office of the accused [First statement of Ms Peirce §34] and the accused has been +
-arrested and questioned [§34]. It is also suggested that the witnesses have been given +
-‘protected status’ [§34]; Mr Assange has been asked to provide evidence pursuant to a +
-European Investigation Order [34] (it is understood that Mr Assange provided that +
-evidence in Westminster Magistrates’ Court).+
  
 === PAGE 27 === === PAGE 27 ===
  
-119. The second witness statement of Aitor Martinez Jimenez exhibits a self -serving +119. The second witness statement of Aitor Martinez Jimenez exhibits a self-serving document which appears to form part of (or is) the complaint before the Spanish Court. It refers to “..facts that should be investigated in Spanish jurisdicton and that are relevant to the effects of the extradition process against Mr Assange in the United Kingdom".
-document which appears to form part of (or is) the complaint before the Spanish Court. +
-It refers to “..facts that should be investigated in Spanish jurisdicton and that are +
-relevant to the effects of the extradition process against Mr Assange in the United Kingdom".+
  
-120. This gives the appearance that part of the rationale for this criminal complaint is to +120. This gives the appearance that part of the rationale for this criminal complaint is to generate materials for these proceedings.
-generate materials for these proceedings.+
  
-121. Setting that to one side, the fact that this matter is under investigation in Spain tells this Court nothing about the accuracy of the allegations. As must be plain, this Court could +121. Setting that to one side, the fact that this matter is under investigation in Spain tells this Court nothing about the accuracy of the allegations. As must be plain, this Court could only adjudicate upon them if it too embarked upon the sort of wide—ranging investigation the defence foresees in Spain. Many of the allegations (if there is any substance to them at all) would go to sensitive issues between States. The extent to which, for example, in this sort of context, a state consented to the surveillance of its embassy is an obvious one.
-only adjudicate upon them if it too embarked upon the sort of wide— ranging investigation +
-the defence foresees in Spain. Many of the allegations (if there is any substance to them +
-at all) would go to sensitive issues between States. The extent to which, for example, in +
-this sort of context, a state consented to the surveillance of its embassy is an obvious one.+
  
-122. Press reporting of this issue puts a very different slant on the reports allegedly gathered by UC Global. See for example CNN Report of 15 July 2019 report - Security reports reveal how Assange turned an embassy into a command post for election meddling:+122. Press reporting of this issue puts a very different slant on the reports allegedly gathered by UC Global. See for example CNN Report of 15 July 2019 report - //Security reports reveal how Assange turned an embassy into a command post for election meddling//:
  
 “Despite being confined to the embassy while seeking safe passage to Ecuador, Assange met with Russians and world-class hackers at critical moments, frequently for hours at a time. He also acquired powerful new computing and network hardware to facilitate data transfers just weeks before WikiLeaks received hacked materials from Russian operatives.” “Despite being confined to the embassy while seeking safe passage to Ecuador, Assange met with Russians and world-class hackers at critical moments, frequently for hours at a time. He also acquired powerful new computing and network hardware to facilitate data transfers just weeks before WikiLeaks received hacked materials from Russian operatives.”
  
-123. It is also of note that The Guardian published an article on 15 May 2018 entitled +123. It is also of note that The Guardian published an article on 15 May 2018 entitled “Revealed: Ecuador spent millions on spy operation for Julian Assange”, This puts a different slant again on matters, reporting that there was a large-scale surveillance operation ongoing in the embassy for Mr Assange’s protection:
-“Revealed: Ecuador spent millions on spy operation for Julian Assange”, This puts a +
-different slant again on matters, reporting that there was a large-scale surveillance +
-operation ongoing in the embassy for Mr Assange’s protection; .,+
  
-“Ecuador bankrolled a multimillion-dollar spy operation to protect and support Julian Assange in its central London embassy, employing an international security company and undercover agents to monitor his visitors, embassy staff and even the British police, according to documents seen by the Guardian..... +“Ecuador bankrolled a multimillion-dollar spy operation to protect and support Julian Assange in its central London embassy, employing an international security company and undercover agents to monitor his visitors, embassy staff and even the British police, according to documents seen by the Guardian ... Documents show the intelligence programme, called “Operation Guest”, which later became known as “Operation Hotel" — coupled with parallel covert actions — ran up an average cost of at least $66,000 a month for security, intelligence gathering and counter-intelligence to “protect” one of the world’s most high-profile fugitives.”
- +
-Documents show the intelligence programme, called “Operation Guest”, which later became known as “Operation Hotel" — coupled with parallel covert actions — ran up an average cost of at least $66,000 a month for security, intelligence gathering and counter-intelligence to “protect” one of the world’s most high-profile fugitives.”+
  
 124. The Court is not asked (and indeed cannot be asked) to consider these articles beyond that they show that the case presented on behalf of Mr Assange may rather more nuanced than is presented here (regardless of who consented to the alleged surveillance or ordered it or received the product of it). 124. The Court is not asked (and indeed cannot be asked) to consider these articles beyond that they show that the case presented on behalf of Mr Assange may rather more nuanced than is presented here (regardless of who consented to the alleged surveillance or ordered it or received the product of it).
  
-125. The Court shouId equally be wary of general expressions of outrage about the surveillance of privileged communications. As is set below, there is no absolute rule  +125. The Court shouId equally be wary of general expressions of outrage about the surveillance of privileged communications. As is set below, there is no absolute rule against surveillance which includes privileged communications as a matter of UK law.
-against surveillance which includes privileged communications as a matter of UK law.+
  
-126. The objection to the "surveillance allegations" constituting an abuse of this Court's process is however far more fundamental. This application fails to demonstrate any nexus+126. The objection to the "surveillance allegations" constituting an abuse of this Court's process is however far more fundamental. This application fails to demonstrate any nexus ...
  
 === PAGE 28 === === PAGE 28 ===
  
-between the alleged surveillance and these proceedings. It is not the function of this Court +... between the alleged surveillance and these proceedings. It is not the function of this Court to police the surveillance activities of another state. The focus of an abuse application is how the conduct alleged subverts the extradition process.
-to police the surveillance activities of another state. The focus of an abuse application is +
-how the conduct alleged subverts the extradition process.+
  
 ==== The evidence on surveillance ==== ==== The evidence on surveillance ====
  
-127. The crux of the abuse alleged is set out in the first statement of Ms Peirce (which is +127. The crux of the abuse alleged is set out in the first statement of Ms Peirce (which is understood to be a hearsay account of the allegations in Spain). The allegation appears to be that a Spanish company, carrying out security functions at the embassy gathered data about Mr Assange (allegedly at the behest of the US intelligence agencies [see §13). Particular emphasis is placed upon the surveillance of Mr Assange’s legal and medical 
-understood to be a hearsay account of the allegations in Spain). The allegation appears +visits and communications [§25], It is also said that electronic devices were scanned [§§25-26].
-to be that a Spanish company, carrying out security functions at the embassy gathered +
-data about Mr Assange (allegedly at the behest of the US intelligence agencies [see §13). +
-Particular emphasis is placed upon the surveillance of Mr Assange’s legal and medical +
-visits and communications [§25], It is also said that electronic devices were scanned +
-[§§25-26]. +
- +
-128. At § 28 Ms Peirce states:+
  
-“Later, the focus of particular surveillance on the Ecuadorian Consul and Mr Assange appeared to immediately trigger the issuing of December 22“d 2017 International Arrest Warrant by the United States [Gareth Peirce statement §28].+128. At §28 Ms Peirce states: 
 +  * “Later, the focus of particular surveillance on the Ecuadorian Consul and Mr Assange appeared to immediately trigger the issuing of December 22“d 2017 International Arrest Warrant by the United States [Gareth Peirce statement §28].
  
 129. This is understood to be the foundation for the defence submission [Statement of issues at [11]] that the extradition request (issued on 22 December 2017) was issued in conjunction with deliberate monitoring of Ecuadorian official in the London Embassy. 129. This is understood to be the foundation for the defence submission [Statement of issues at [11]] that the extradition request (issued on 22 December 2017) was issued in conjunction with deliberate monitoring of Ecuadorian official in the London Embassy.
  
-130. This appears, in turn, to relate to §76 of the criminal complaint. It sets out some detail of a meeting between the head of the Ecuadorian Intelligence Service and Mr Assange on +130. This appears, in turn, to relate to §76 of the criminal complaint. It sets out some detail of a meeting between the head of the Ecuadorian Intelligence Service and Mr Assange on 21 December 2017. It is suggested that this was a meeting about an Ecuadorian operation (presumably the plan to make Mr Assange a diplomat) to remove Mr Assange from the embassy and that information provided by the Spanish Company prompted the US to issue an international arrest warrant.
-21 December 2017. It is suggested that this was a meeting about an Ecuadorian operation +
-(presumably the plan to make Mr Assange a diplomat) to remove Mr Assange from the +
-embassy and that information provided by the Spanish Company prompted the US to +
-issue an international arrest warrant.+
  
-131. If this is the nexus between the surveillance and this extradition request, it amounts to +131. If this is the nexus between the surveillance and this extradition request, it amounts to the suggestion that the surveillance in some way stopped a plan (or a device) to help Mr Assange to escape the Embassy (without being arrested by the British authorities for having breached the conditions of his bail in the Swedish extradition proceedings). The suggestion that this could amount to an abuse of this Court’s proceedings is 
-the suggestion that the surveillance in some way stopped a plan (or a device) to help Mr +unsustainable. How the issue of any warrant could be said to have stopped Mr Assange escaping from the embassy, in these circumstances, is wholly unclear.
-Assange to escape the Embassy (without being arrested by the British authorities for +
-having breached the conditions of his bail in the Swedish extradition proceedings). The +
-suggestion that this could amount to an abuse of this Court’s proceedings is +
-unsustainable. How the issue of any warrant could be said to have stopped Mr Assange +
-escaping from the embassy, in these circumstances, is wholly unclear.+
  
-132. The evidence of Witnesses 1 and 2 (the only primary evidence cited in support of the +132. The evidence of Witnesses 1 and 2 (the only primary evidence cited in support of the allegations) is not repeated here. Neither their evidence (nor even the wider self-serving complaint submitted on behalf of Mr Assange in Spain) comes close to demonstrating an abuse of this process: 
-allegations) is not repeated here. Neither their evidence '(nor even the wider self- servmg +  132.1 First: The conduct which is the focus of the US indictment is alleged to have occurred between 2009 and 2011, some five years (at least) before it alleged that the monitoring in the embassy took place.
-complaint submitted on behalf of Mr Assange in Spain) comes close to‘ demOHSKatmg an +
-abuse of this process: +
- +
-132.1 **First**: The conduct which is the focus of the US indictment is alleged to have occurred between 2009 and 2011, some five years (at least) before it alleged that the monitoring in the embassy took place.+
  
 === PAGE 29 === === PAGE 29 ===
  
-132.2 **Second**: extradition request sets out the evidence upon which the US +  * 132.2 Second: extradition request sets out the evidence upon which the US Government expects to support the charges. This is not exhaustive but it gives this Court a good insight into the evidence which forms the basis of the prosecution case [see Dwyer Affidavit at §64]: evidence gathered from Ms Manning's personal and government computers. including classified information that Ms Manning searched for and downloaded from US Government computers; electronic messages Ms Manning sent to and received from Mr Assange; statements by Ms Manning and statements made by Ms Manning to others in furtherance of and in scope of the conspiracy; testimony of former members and affiliates of Wikileaks; documents and materials gathered from the Wikileaks website and evidence from the “Wayback Machine” (information once on its website); Assange’s public statements and tweets and testimony from those with expertise in US military, intelligence and diplomatic fields. Self- evidently there was sufficient evidence upon which to convict Ms Manning. 
-Government expects to support the charges. This is not exhaustive but it gives this +  132.3 Third: there is nothing, on the defence case, to show that any privileged materials were gathered in the embassy which are now deployed against Mr Assange. 
-Court a good insight into the evidence which forms the basis of the prosecution +  132.4 Fourth: The United States has put this beyond dispute. The first Kromberg Affidavit states (i) no privileged communications will be used against Mr. Assange in criminal proceedings; (ii) if the fruits of any surveillance in the Embassy exist they will not be reviewed or used by prosecutors [§174]; (iii) “any use of privileged material against Assange would be barred by American law” [§I75] (privileged communications include confessions to past wrongdoing). 
-case [see Dwyer Affidavit at §64]: evidence gathered from Ms Manning' +  132.5 Fifth: developed procedures are in place to prevent agents and prosecutors receiving or viewing privileged materials in cases they are investigating. There is a separate filter team. 
-personal and government computers. including classified information that Ms +  132.6 Sixth: (and moreover) to the best of the knowledge, information, and belief of the Prosecutor, the allegations in the superseding indictment and the affirmations make in the affidavits submitted by the United States in support of the extradition request, contain no legally privilleged material and were not derived from legally privileged knowledge (Kromberg §5).
-Manning searched for and downloaded from US Govemment computers; +
-electronic messages Ms Manning sent to and received from Mr Assange; +
-statements by Ms Manning and statements made by Ms Manning to others in +
-furtherance of and in scope of the conspiracy; testimony of former members and +
-affiliates of Wikileaks; documents and materials gathered from the Wikileaks +
-website and evidence from the “Wayback Machine” (information once on its +
-website); Assange’s public statements and tweets and testimony from those with +
-expertise in US military, intelligence and diplomatic fields. Self- evidently there +
-was sufficient evidence upon which to convict Ms Manning. +
- +
-132.3 **Third**: there is nothing, on the defence case, to show that any privileged materials were gathered in the embassy which are now deployed against Mr Assange. +
- +
-132.4 **Fourth**: The United States has put this beyond dispute. The first Kromberg +
-Affidavit states (i) no privileged communications will be used against Mr. +
-Assange in criminal proceedings; (ii) if the fruits of any surveillance in the +
-Embassy exist they will not be reviewed or used by prosecutors [§174]; (iii) “any +
-use of privileged material against Assange would be barred by American law” +
-[§I75] (privileged communications include confessions to past wrongdoing). +
- +
-132.5 **Fifth**: developed procedures are in place to prevent agents and prosecutors +
-receiving or viewing privileged materials in cases they are investigating. There is +
-a separate filter team. +
- +
-132.6 **Sixth**: (and morever) to the best of the knowledge, information, and belief of the Prosecutor, the allegations in the superseding indictment and the affirmations +
-make in the affidavits submitted by the United States in support of the extradition request, contain no legally privilleged material and were not derived from legally privileged knowledge (Kromberg §5).+
  
 133. However widely it is put by the defence, it is submitted that allegations going to the surveillance of the embassy cannot be capable of amounting to an abuse of this Court's jurisdiction. 133. However widely it is put by the defence, it is submitted that allegations going to the surveillance of the embassy cannot be capable of amounting to an abuse of this Court's jurisdiction.
  
-134. To the extent that the second statement of Ms Peirce raises any separate issue (in terms of any hard copy materials seized from the embassy), the United States Prosecutor has affirmed that the assurance that no privileged materials could be used against Mr Assange during criminal proceedings in the United States would equally apply to any  +134. To the extent that the second statement of Ms Peirce raises any separate issue (in terms of any hard copy materials seized from the embassy), the United States Prosecutor has affirmed that the assurance that no privileged materials could be used against Mr Assange during criminal proceedings in the United States would equally apply to any material.
-material.+
  
 135. This is sufficient to dispose of this particularisation concerning surveillance and LPP. 135. This is sufficient to dispose of this particularisation concerning surveillance and LPP.
Line 850: Line 647:
 === PAGE 30 === === PAGE 30 ===
  
-136. The Divisional Court rejected (in the context of submissions made in relation to an +136. The Divisional Court rejected (in the context of submissions made in relation to an Applicant’s article 6 Convention rights), that the monitoring of lawyer-client conversations could lead to a flagrant denial of the right to a fair trial, where there were mechanisms in place to ensure it did not reach the prosecution (Pham v. USA [2014] EWHC 4167 (Admin), citing the admissibility decision in Barbar Ahmad and others v. UK (2010) 51 E.H.R.R).
-Applicant’s article 6 Convention rights), that the monitoring of lawyer-client +
-conversations could lead to a flagrant denial of the right to a fair trial, where there were +
-mechanisms in place to ensure it did not reach the prosecution (Pham v. USA [2014] +
-EWHC 4167 (Admin), citing the admissibility decision in Barbar Ahmad and others v. UK (2010) 51 E.H.R.R).+
  
-137. English law permits the surveillance of communications and consultations between a +137. English law permits the surveillance of communications and consultations between a lawyer and client; see Re McE [2009] UKHL 15; Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Extension of Authorisation Provisions: Legal Consultations) Order 2010 (‘the 2010 Order): directed surveillance carried out on premises originally used for legal consultations, at a time when they are being used as such, is to be characterised as intrusive surveillance for the purposes of Part II of RIPA; //Covert Surveillance and Property Interference// — Revised Code of Practice 2018 (which also applies to foreign surveillance by UK authorities).
-lawyer and client; see Re McE [2009] UKHL 15; Regulation of lnvestigatory Powers +
-(Extension of Authorisation Provisions: Legal Consultations) Order 2010 (‘the 2010 +
-Order): directed surveillance carried out on premises originally used for legal +
-consultations, at a time when they are being used as such, is to be characterised as +
-intrusive surveillance for the purposes of Part II of RIPA; Covert Surveillance and +
-Property Inteiference — Revised Code of Practice 2018 (which also applies to foreign +
-surveillance by UK authorities).+
  
 138. In the context of abuse of process, the deliberate and unlawful invasion of a suspected person's right to legal professional privilege is not to be assimilated with the abduction and entrapment cases. Whether it amounts to an abuse of process will depend on the circumstances of the case: Warren and others v Her Majesty's Attomey General of the Bailiwick of Jersey [2011] UKPC 10, 2011 WL 1060048 PC (noting [at 45]: 138. In the context of abuse of process, the deliberate and unlawful invasion of a suspected person's right to legal professional privilege is not to be assimilated with the abduction and entrapment cases. Whether it amounts to an abuse of process will depend on the circumstances of the case: Warren and others v Her Majesty's Attomey General of the Bailiwick of Jersey [2011] UKPC 10, 2011 WL 1060048 PC (noting [at 45]:
  
-“The police were unquestionably guilty of grave prosecutorial misconduct in this case. They acted in the knowledge that the Attorney General and the Chief of Jersey Police had not given authority to install the audio device without the consent ofthe relevant foreign authorities and would not do so; and that the foreign authorities had refused their consent.”+  * “The police were unquestionably guilty of grave prosecutorial misconduct in this case. They acted in the knowledge that the Attorney General and the Chief of Jersey Police had not given authority to install the audio device without the consent ofthe relevant foreign authorities and would not do so; and that the foreign authorities had refused their consent.”
  
-139. Accordingly, even assuming that there has been surveillance of Mr Assange and that +139. Accordingly, even assuming that there has been surveillance of Mr Assange and that privileged material relating to Mr. Assange has been obtained, there can be no abuse of process of the extradition court. The material has no impact on proceedings in this court. The material will not be used in the criminal trial in America. Therefore, there has been no usurpation of the statutory extradition regime and there is no prejudice that can accrue either in these proceedings or upon Mr. Assange’s return.
-privileged material relating to Mr. Assange has been obtained, there can be no abuse of +
-process of the extradition court. The material has no impact on proceedings in this court. +
-The material will not be used in the criminal trial in America. Therefore, there has been +
-no usurpation of the statutory extradition regime and there is no prejudice that can accrue +
-either in these proceedings or upon Mr. Assange’s return.+
  
-1 1. § 7 Eleventh of the FDA+**11//§ 7 Eleventh of the POA//**
  
-140. This particular alleges that in order for the US request to be afforded priority over +140. This particular alleges that in order for the US request to be afforded priority over Sweden’s request, on 23 May 2019, the US ratchetted up the charges to add multlple Espionage Act offences (by means of a Superseding Indictment). This escalation in the charges had nothing to do with the requirements of justice.
-Sweden’s request, on 23 May 2019, the US ratchetted up the charges to add multlple +
-Espionage Act offences (by means of a Superseding Indictment). This escalation in the +
-charges had nothing to do with the requirements of justice.+
  
-141. This again is arrant nonsense. The Swedish request was discontinued and never remade because of the time the defendant spent in the embassy. When the United States of America made its request there was no extant request and no need for any increase in  +141. This again is arrant nonsense. The Swedish request was discontinued and never remade because of the time the defendant spent in the embassy. When the United States of America made its request there was no extant request and no need for any increase in charges. Indeed any charge would have sufficed because there was no competing request from Sweden when the defendant was arrested from the embassy.
-charges. Indeed any charge would have sufficed because there was no competing request from Sweden when the defendant was arrested from the embassy.+
  
 === PAGE 31 === === PAGE 31 ===
Line 890: Line 667:
 142. There is not and has never been a need for a decision of the Secretary of State to accord precedent to the Swedish request. This particular is not only fanciful but a hopeless grasping at straws. 142. There is not and has never been a need for a decision of the Secretary of State to accord precedent to the Swedish request. This particular is not only fanciful but a hopeless grasping at straws.
  
-12. 7 Twelfth of the POA+**12. //§ 7 Twelfth of the POA//**
  
-143 This pariicuiar sates that pressure was exerted on defence witness Chelsea Manning, in order to attempt to force her to provide evidence against Mr Assange.+143 This particular states that pressure was exerted on defence witness Chelsea Manning, in order to attempt to force her to provide evidence against Mr Assange.
  
-144. This is not capable of giving rise to an abuse of this Court‘s process for all of the reasons set out above. However, it is commonplace for “witness to be ordered to court to give evidence against a defendant (which is not even what is alleged here); there is nothing +144. This is not capable of giving rise to an abuse of this Court‘s process for all of the reasons set out above. However, it is commonplace for “witness to be ordered to court to give evidence against a defendant (which is not even what is alleged here); there is nothing inherently wrong in that. It cannot be an abuse of process to lawfully require someone to give evidence while respecting their right to claim the privilege against incrimination. Indeed section 2 notices under the CJA 1987 have even abrogated the right to claim such privilege.
-inherently wrong in that. It cannot be an abuse of process to lawfully require someone to +
-give evidence while respecting their right to claim the privilege against incrimination. +
-Indeed section 2 notices under the CJA 1987 have even abrogated the right to claim such +
-privilege.+
  
-145. It follows the incarceration of Ms. Manning for contempt of court cannot amount to an +145. It follows the incarceration of Ms. Manning for contempt of court cannot amount to an abuse of the extradition court in this country, in a case concerning Mr. Assange. Mr Kromberg explains the function of the Grand Jury and the purpose of calling a witness before it. The evidence is not evidence which is admitted at trial. Even where it is alleged that a witness has been coerced to give evidence at a trial: this does not constitute an abuse of the extradition process (see Symeou on coerced evidence at [25] and [39]).
-abuse of the extradition court in this country, in a case concerning Mr. Assange. Mr +
-Kromberg explains the function of the Grand Jury and the purpose of calling a witness +
-before it. The evidence is not evidence which is admitted at trial. Even where it is alleged +
-that a witness has been coerced to give evidence at a trial: this does not constitute an +
-abuse of the extradition process (see Symeou on coerced evidence at [25] and [39]).+
  
-146. Within the particulars there is an argument the defendant did not recklessly reveal the +146. Within the particulars there is an argument the defendant did not recklessly reveal the identity of those named within the materials Wikileaks published. This is Mr Assange’s defence; it is a trial issue par excellence. This account should also be considered in light of paragraphs 31-34 of the indictment and Mr Assange’s use of ‘insurance’ tactics so as to defeat prior restraint. Paragraph 42 of the indictment also refers to Mr Assange's public statements in 2010 whereby he described it as “regrettable” that sources revealed by 
-identity of those named within the materials Wikileaks published. This is Mr Assange’s +Wikileaks “may face some threat as a result” and where he discussed not being obliged to protect sources.
-defence; it is a trial issue par excellence. This account should also be considered in light +
-of paragraphs 31-34 of the indictment and Mr Assange’s use of ‘insurance’ tactics so as +
-to defeat prior restraint. Paragraph 42 of the indictment also refers to Mr Assange's public +
-statements in 2010 whereby he described it as “regrettable” that sources revealed by +
-Wikileaks “may face some threat as a result” and where he discussed not being obliged +
-to protect sources.+
  
-147. It is of note that the five media partners with whom Wikileaks worked drew a distinction between their handling of the material and Wikileak’s treatment of it. The followings extracts from respected newspapers which had partnered Wikileaks demonstrate their view of the action taken by it (and is to be contrasted with the evidence served on 13 February 2020 from witnesses such as Mr Augstein and Mr Goetz).+147. It is of note that the five media partners with whom Wikileaks worked drew a distinction between their handling of the material and Wikileaks' treatment of it. The followings extracts from respected newspapers which had partnered Wikileaks demonstrate their view of the action taken by it (and is to be contrasted with the evidence served on 13 February 2020 from witnesses such as Mr Augstein and Mr Goetz).
  
-148. The Guardian newspaper published on 2 September 2011 ''1'' the following:+148. The Guardian newspaper published on 2 September 2011 the following:
  
 https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/sep/02/wikileaks-publishes-cache-unredacted-cables https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/sep/02/wikileaks-publishes-cache-unredacted-cables
 +
 +=== PAGE 32 ===
 +
 +  * "WikiLeaks has published its full archive of 251,000 secret US diplomatic cables, without redactions, potentially exposing thousands of individuals named in the documents to detention, harm or putting their lives in danger. The move has been strongly condemned by the five previous media partners -- the Guardian, New York Times, El Pais, Der Spiegel and Le Monde -- who have worked with WikiLeaks publishing carefully selected and redacted documents. 'We deplore the decision of WikiLeaks to publish the unredacted state department cables, which may put sources at risk,' the organisations said in a joint statement. 'Our previous dealings with WikiLeaks were on the clear basis that we would only publish cables which had been subjected to a thorough joint editing and clearance process. We will continue to defend our previous collaborative publishing endeavour. We cannot defend the needless publication of the complete data -- indeed, we are united in condemning it. The decision to publish by Julian Assange was his, and his alone.' Diplomats, governments, human rights charities and media organisations had urged WikiLeaks' founder, Assange, not to publish the full cache of cables without careful source protection. The newly published archive contains more than 1,000 cables identifying individual activists; several thousand labelled with a tag used by the US to mark sources it believes could be placed in danger; and more than 150 specifically mentioning whistleblowers. The cables also contain references to people persecuted by their governments, victims of sex offences, and locations of sensitive government installations and infrastructure."
 +
 +149. The New York Times published on 25 July 2010:
 +
 +  * "The Times and other news organizations agreed at the outset that we would not disclose -- either in our articles or any of our online supplementary material -- anything that was likely to put lives at risk or jeopardize military or antiterrorist operations. We have, for example, withheld any names of operatives in the field and informants cited in the reports. We have avoided anything that might compromised American or allied intelligence-gathering methods such as communications intercepts. We have not linked to the archives of raw material. At the request of the White House, The Times also urged WikiLeaks to withhold any harmful material from its Web site."
 +
 +150. The New York Times magazine published on 26 January 2011:
 +
 +  * "Assange was openly contemptuous of the American government and certain that he was a hunted man. He told the reporters that he had prepared a kind of doomsday option. He had, he said, distributed highly encrypted copies of his entire secret archive to a multitude of supporters, and if WikiLeaks was shut down, or if he was arrested, he would disseminate the key to make the information public. While we assumed we had little or no ability to influence what WikiLeaks did, let alone what would happen once this material was loosed in the eco chamber of the blogosphere, that did not free us from the need to exercise care in our own journalism. From the beginning, we agreed that in our articles and in any documents we published from the secret archive, we would excise material that could put lives at risk. Guided by reporters with extensive experience in the field, we redacted the names of ordinary citizens, local officials, activists, academics and others who had spoken to American soldiers or diplomats. We edited out any details that might reveal ongoing military intelligence gathering operations, military tactics or locations of material that could be used to fashion terrorist weapons. He was angry that we declined to link our online coverage of the War Logs to the WikiLeaks Web site, a decision we made because we feared -- rightly, as it turned out -- that its trove would contain the names of low-level informants and make them Taliban targets."
 +
 +https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/26/world/26editors-note.html
 +
 +https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/30/magazine/30WikiLeaks-t.html
 +
 +=== PAGE 33 ===
 +
 +  * "As for the risks posed by these releases, they are real. WikiLeaks' first data dump, the publication of the Afghanistan War Logs, included the names of scores of Afghans that The times and other news organizations had carefully purged from our own coverage. Several news organizations, including ours, reported this dangerous lapse, and months later a Taliban spokesman claimed that Afghan insurgents had been perusing the WikiLeaks site and making a list. I anticipate, with dread, the day we learn that someone identified in those documents has been killed. As for our relationship with WikiLeaks, Julian Assange has been heard to boast that he served as a kind of puppet master, recruiting several news organizations, forcing them to work in concert and choreographing their work. This is characteristic braggadocio -- or, as my Guardian colleagues would say, bollocks. Throughout this experience we have treated Assange as a source."
 +
 +151. The aforegoing contrasts the actions of the defendant with those of reputable media outlets. He is described as a source. He was warned not to publish the names of informants and others in danger if they were identified. He, according to his former media partners, deliberately chose to do so (in contradistinction to what any self-respecting and professional journalist would do).
 +
 +==== C. Abuse of Process - Zakrzewski ====
 +
 +152. If it is alleged that the particulars contained in an extradition request are materially inaccurate, the Supreme Court has accepted it may amount to an abuse of process. However, even this narrow area of discretion operates so as to preclude the extradition Court from adjudicating upon disputed matters of fact going to the conduct alleged in the requesting state.
 +
 +153. Thus, in Zakrzewski v. Regional Court in Lodz, Poland [2013] 1 W.L.R 324 the Supreme Court (per Lord Sumption at §13, emphasis added) set out the conditions in which the Court's abuse jurisdiction may be invoked in relation to the description of the conduct:
 +  * 153.1 Firstly, the jurisdiction "is exceptional". The statements in the [warrant] Request must comprise "statutory particulars which are wrong or incomplete in some respect which is misleading (though not necessarily intentionally)".
 +  * 153.2 Secondly, the true facts required to correct the error or omission "must be clear and beyond legitimate dispute". The abuse of process jurisdiction "is not therefore to be used as an indirect way of mounting a contentious challenge to the factual or evidential basis for the conduct alleged in the warrant, this being a matter for the requesting court".
 +  * 153.3 Thirdly, the error or omission must be material to the operation of the statutory scheme.
 +  * 153.4 Fourthly, the sole juridical basis for the inquiry into the accuracy of the particulars in the [warrant] Request is abuse of process. The materiality of the error in the warrant will be of critical importance.
 +
 +154. There appear to be three areas of potential Zakrzewski abuse:
 +
 +=== PAGE 34 ===
 +
 +  * (i) Firstly, in relation to the "passcode hash allegation", it is said that illegality only arises if the publisher actually participated in illegally obtaining the material. This is said to be "flatly contradictory to Manning's unchallenged evidence before her Court Martial".
 +  * (ii) Secondly, there is said to be evidence that Ms. Manning's disclosures were not linked to the Wikileaks "most wanted" lists.
 +  * (iii) Thirdly (in the SOI) there are said to be further areas which could be undermined by the "hard evidence".
 +
 +155. Each of these arguments is an impermissible attempt to litigate matters of US law and/or evidence, and to reverse the fundamental basis upon which extradition operates- that the Court is not concerned with foreign law when assessing dual criminality, through the "back door" of an abuse argument. 
 +
 +**1. Passcode hash**
 +
 +156. As to the passcode hash, as a matter of English law, conspiracy under either the Computer Misuse Act or the Official Secrets Act is illegal at the point of agreement. It does not require participation in "illegally obtaining the material"
 +
 +157. If submissions are to be made to the effect that, as a matter of US law, illegality would only arise upon the publisher participating in illegally obtaining material, the submissions are misplaced. 
 +
 +158. It is not the function of the extradition court to resolve conflict of opinion as to the meaning of foreign law. Such a dispute, even if legitimate, cannot give rise to a Zakrzewski abuse in this jurisdiction. 
 +
 +159. It is well established that the Court should not undertake analysis of foreign law for the purposes of determining whether the conduct alleged amounts to an offence in the foreign jurisdiction (see Dabas v. Spain [2007] 2 A.C. 31 §55, Cando Armas v. Belgium [2005] UKFIL 67 at §16 and Norris v. USA [2008] UKHL 16 §§85 and 89).
 +
 +160. This approach is consistent with other areas which fall to be considered under the 2003 Act: 
 +
 +161. In relation to s.12A of the 2003 Act "It is no part of the function of the extradition court to embark upon an investigation of the legal niceties in the jurisdiction of the requesting judicial authority. It should not seek to resolve apparent conflicts of opinion about the meaning of foreign law.": [Puceviciene v. Lithuania [2016] 1 W.L.R. 4937 at §62].
 +
 +162. In relation to limitation periods:
 +
 +=== PAGE 35 ===
 +
 +  * "this kind of debate should only be entered by the courts of the requested state in the most exceptional of circumstances when there is the clearest possible evidence of the engagement in abuse by the prosecuting authorities of the requesting state... the domestic courts should be extremely reluctant to engage in evaluating the competing arguments about the local law of limitation in the requesting state. It is always wise never to say 'never,' but the circumstances when it is justified must surely be truly exceptional." (Villota v. Spain [2014] EWHC 2623 (Admin) at §35 and §40)
 +
 +163. In relation to abuse of process also predicated on the contention that a limitation period had expired:
 +
 +  * "... the prior question is whether this court should become involved in adjudicating upon these inconsistent interpretations of Italian law. For my part, it seems to me fundamental that in a European Arrest Warrant case it is wholly inappropriate for this court to proceed to adjudicate upon rival interpretations of Italian law. All this is a matter for the Italian courts in accordance with the principle expounded by Lord Brown in Gomes. Quite simply, we should not get involved." (Battistini v. Italy [2009] EWHC 3536 (Admin) §15)
 +
 +164. In relation to abuse of process predicated on the contention that the requesting authority had failed to comply with its own legal procedure:
 +
 +  * "... though Lord Hope couches his language in terms that the judge 'need not concern himself' with the criminal law of the requesting state, the thrust is that he should not do so, except in true abuse of extradition process cases, and should not do so, not as a matter of discretion, but as a matter of jurisdiction. Such inquiry is simply not his task. The effect of the Framework Decision, and the interpretation of the 2003 Act Part I, go further than the traditional assumption of good faith between sovereign states and a need to accommodate different national legal processes. 52. The circumstances of this appeal illustrate the point, and the way in which the contrary view would undermine the legislative intention. The context is an extradition case, pursuant to what is intended to be a simplified decision-making process in an area of mutual recognition of judicial decisions in criminal matters. There is a disagreement among the Greek lawyers about what the Greek Code of Criminal Procedure requires. It would be quite extraordinary for the District Judge to hear evidence from competing experts on Greek law, including the Prosecutor of the requesting state, so as to rule as a matter of fact on what Greek law was, then to find whether in fact the actions of the Prosecutor had breached whatever the law was found to be, then to rule on the effect on the validity of the warrant of a breach of its Code, each of which might be quite uncertain in Greek law, and then to rule on whether that caused the EAW to be invalid as a matter of English law implementing the Framework Decision. And if extradition then ensued, the matter would be dealt with by the Greek Courts who would be unlikely to regard the views of the English Courts on Greek law as of more than passing interest. If it did not ensue, the Greek Courts would never have the chance to put it right." [Symeou v. Greece [2009] 1 W.L.R. 2384, §§52-3]
 +
 +165. It is, fundamentally, not the rule of this court to enquire into whether the conduct alleged amounts to an offence as a matter of US law. The request and further information assert that it does. This is the end of the matter. The defendant's argument is, in reality, an attempt to litigate dual criminality by reference to the provisions of US law under which the defendant is indicted. This does not go to an abuse of process.
 +
 +166. A further, insurmountable hurdle is that the factual contentions of the defendant are manifestly not "clear beyond legitimate dispute". The request and further Affidavit of Gordon D. Kromberg assert:
 +
 +167. The defendant's extradition is requested in relation to an "agreement to obtain classified information through computer hacking" [§6] and publishing classified documents containing the unredacted names of innocent people [§6].
 +
 +=== PAGE 36 ===
 +
 +168. Such acts are "illegal and not protected by the constitution” [§§7-9].
 +
 +169. The defendant's extradition is requested for agreeing to assist Manning in cracking a password hash [§166], in order to obtain unauthorised access to an account in a which would have allowed Manning to log onto a classified DOD account in a manner which would make it more difficult for investigators to identify her [§168, 171].
 +
 +170. The superseding indictment is brought on the basis of the rule of law and not to prosecute the defendant for his political opinions. A motion for selective prosecution (which could be brought on the basis that the prosecution was brought for a discriminatory purpose) may be filed if the defendant wishes to challenge this [§17, §68].
 +
 +171. If extradited, the defendant may challenge the charge against him at first instance with one appeal as of right, and further discretionary appeals as far as the Supreme Court [§67].
 +
 +172. If extradited, the defendant may challenge the indictment on the basis that his conduct was protected by the free speech provisions of the First Amendment, or that the charges are “void for vagueness”, although the US prosecutors are of the view that such arguments would have no merit [§69-71].
 +
 +I73. Bias among potential jurors is remedied by a robust jury selection process (far more rigorous than that which would be afforded to the defendant in England) and by the large size of the jury pool in Northern Virginia [§§72-81].
 +
 +174. After the guilty pleas of Ms. Manning, a "providence enquiry" was initiated to ensure that the plea was voluntary and grounded in fact. This was a limited enquiry into the facts which Manning had chosen to admit and Manning was not subjected to exhaustive questioning about the offences or surrounding circumstances [§§ 142-3]. Thereafter, Mrs. Manning refused to testify before a grand jury and has as a consequence been incarcerated [§§ 145-156].
 +
 +175. Mr. Boyle’s assertions to the continued incarceration of Ms. Manning and the nature of her summons before the grand jury are disputed and have already been litigated unsuccessfully, in America [§§157-165].
 +
 +176. Even if, therefore, it were permissible to litigate an alternative construction of the US law under which the defendant is indicted, the scope of American criminal law in this case is not clear beyond legitimate dispute and could not therefore amount to a __Zakrzewski__ abuse.
 +
 +177. The first head of __Zakrzewski__ abuse identified by the defendant must fail because, **first**
 +this court should not entertain rival constructions of US law under the heading of abuse of process and, **second**, because the facts relied on by the defendant are not clear beyond legitimate dispute.
 +
 +**2. Most Wanted**
 +
 +=== PAGE 37 ===
 +
 +178. As to the most wanted lists, the defence contention is a simple evidential dispute, of a type that the extradition courts should not, indeed cannot, entertain.
 +
 +179. The defendant submits that the allegation that Ms Manning’s disclosure was given in response to the Wikileaks “most wanted" lists is contradictory to the evidence given in Ms Manning‘s Court Martial.
 +
 +180. This assumes that the US prosecution is somehow bound to accept the account given by Ms Manning in her own defence or mitigation. As need hardly be said, this is not the position. After Ms Manning's guilty pleas, a “providence enquiry” was initiated to ensure that the plea was voluntary and grounded in fact. This was a limited enquiry into the facts which Ms Manning had chosen to admit and she was not subjected to exhaustive
 +questioning about the offences or surrounding circumstances [Kromberg l §§142-3]. Thereafter Ms. Manning refused to testify before a grand jury and has been found to be in contempt [§§145—156].
 +
 +181. The second affidavit of Gordon Kromberg (§§12 and 13) maintains the factual position of the prosecution. Ms. Manning __is__ alleged to have responded to requests made in the most wanted list.
 +
 +182. Therefore:
 +  * 182.1 The defendant’s submissions as to this issue amount to an evidential dispute of the kind that is irrelevant in extradition proceedings.
 +  * 182.2 Because the defendant’s submissions represent an evidential dispute there is no matter of fact relied on by the defendant in furtherance of the abuse argument which is clear beyond legitimate dispute (Zakrzewski [supra]).
 +
 +**3. Other areas**
 +
 +183. The final area of Zakrzewski abuse identified in the SOI is that there are “other areas” which could be “undermined by hard evidence”. These are not identified and so cannot be responded to with precision; however, it will be noted by the Court that the mere assertion that prosecution allegations can be “undermined” is a formulation of the sort of evidential dispute which the extradition courts cannot consider.
 +
 +**4. Eller**
 +
 +184. Should the defendant seek to rely on the witness statement of Mr. Eller (and his exhibits) to argue that an extradition offence is not made out or in furtherance of a __Zakrzewski__ abuse argument, any such argument must also fail. For the reasons set out below, Mr. Eller’s statement and exhibits are relevant, if at all, to evidential dispute at trial. This is precisely the sort of evidence Lord Sumption warned the Court not to consider in __Zakrzewski__ [§13].
 +
 +=== PAGE 38 ===
 +
 +==== VI. CONCLUSION ====
 +
 +185. No issue of abuse or Zakrzewski abuse arises.
 +
 +==== VII. ANONYMOUS WlTNESSES ====
 +
 +186. If the Court agrees that the allegations about surveillance in the Embassy are incapable of constituting an abuse of the Court's process, then the evidence of Witnesses 1 and 2 is irrelevant. Submissions as to their  evidence being anonymous are set out here for fullness.
 +
 +187. There does not appear to be any application in the files nor any witness statement explaining the basis upon [which] they seek anonymity. All that appears in the evidence is that:
 +
 +188. [3] "After being made aware of the evidence outlined below lawyers acting for Mr Assange in Spain, Baltasar Garozon Real and Aitor Martinez took a number of steps towards alerting Spanish prosecuting authorities. __Those steps involved establishing protection for witnesses involved__, and the confidentiality necessary if arrests and search warrants were thereafter to be ordered by a court. That confidentiality has been maintained by Mr Assange's lawyers both in Spain and in the UK, all of whom have been made aware of the likely progression of steps being taken." [Ms Peirce - Statement 1]
 +
 +189. [5] "... In addition the Central Investigative Court No. 5 has agreed a set of proceedings, __including the protection of former workers as protected witnesses__, and the taking of the statement of Julian Assange as a witness, through a European Order of Investigation sent to the British authorities, as a victim of the alleged crimes being investigated." Jimenez Statement 1 (19 October 2019)
 +
 +190. [6] "To avoid unnecessary interference with the Article 8 ECHR rights and/or the privacy, confidentiality and Data Protection rights concerning third parties whose confidential or private data appears in the material before the court I have taken a selective approach to what I have included of the attachments but can confirm that all the attachments mentioned in the exhibited Criminal Complaint were filed with the court in Spain."; Jimenez Statement 2 (18 December 2019).
 +
 +191. (pg.66) "Third Additional Pleading: It is requested the adoption of protection measures for the witnesses who are cited in the body of this statement of complain[t] and whose statements are provided in copy of notarial deed in sealed envelope to prevent their knowledge until it has been adopted the measure that, respectfully, is requested, at certain risk to their personal integrity and security, therefore ..." Complaint to the Spanish Court (Central Examining Magistrate Number 5).
 +
 +192. "With this affidavit I make myself available to the justice system, with the aim of cooperating openly in relation to some events that I have information about and by their ...
 +
 +=== PAGE 39 ===
 +
 +... contents may reveal unlawful activities. I wish to express that at no point have I intended to commit nor am I aware of having committed any unlawful activities myself. That is why I wish to make myself available to the justice system to ask it for protection and be granted the status of a protected witness given that, with this decision which I have taken freely, my family and I are put at risk with the information and documentation I am
 +providing.” __Witness 1__
 +
 +193. “I have made this affidavit so that it can be presented before the judiciary. I intend that my explanation of facts be put before the authorities and I understand that it may contain activities that are considered to be illicit. I never participated in illicit acts, nor did I intend to participate in such acts nor was I aware of them. That is why, despite being subjected to a confidentiality agreement, I am now putting these facts before the justice system. However, as a prior necessity I require the status of a protected witness, given that with
 +this information, as well as the documentation that I am providing, my family and I will be put at risk.” __Witness 2__
 +
 +194. The Court cannot grant an application for anonymity unless it is satisfied that there is a genuine cause for anonymity, __generally a justified fear for the safety of the witness or others which cannot otherwise be protected__, and that justice requires that the evidence be given. Per R. (on the application of B) v Westminster Magistrates' Court [2014] UKSC 59; [2015] A.C. 1195, Lord Hughes gave the following explanation of the correct approach to the test in the context of extradition proceedings (at [73]).
 +
 +195. It is noted that the identity of Witnesses 1 and 2 must be known to any accused persons in Spain. It is wholly unclear what possible basis they could have for submitting that they have a justified fear for their safety in these proceedings. Any application that their evidence remains anonymous would fall at the first hurdle given that there is simply no evidence about this.
 +
 +James Lewis QC
 +
 +Clair Dobbin
 +
 +Joel Smith
 +
 +17 February 2020
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