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The Trial of Julian Assange: A Story of Persecution
In July 2010, Wikileaks published Cablegate, one of the biggest leaks in the history of the US military, including evidence for war crimes and torture. In the aftermath Julian Assange, the founder and spokesman of Wikileaks, found himself at the center of a media storm, accused of hacking and later sexual assault. He spent the next seven years in asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, fearful that he would be extradited to Sweden to face the accusations of assault and then sent to US. At this point, Nils Melzer, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, started his investigation into how the US and UK governments were working together to ensure a conviction. His findings are explosive, revealing that Assange has faced grave and systematic due process violations, judicial bias, collusion and manipulated evidence. Melzer also gathered together consolidated medical evidence that proves that Assange has suffered prolonged psychological torture. Melzer's compelling investigation puts the UK and US state into the dock, showing how, through secrecy, impunity and, crucially, public indifference, unchecked power reveals a deeply undemocratic system. Furthermore, the Assange case sets a dangerous precedent: once telling the truth becomes a crime, censorship and tyranny will inevitably follow.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2021
68 people are currently reading
1337 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 25, 2022
This review is based on the original German edition titled "Der Fall Julian Assange"
A must read for everyone concerned with the current state of Western democracy/ies. This book by law professor, expert in international law and UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Nils Melzer chronicles his initinally reluctant involvement with the case of Julian Assange and how he came to the conclusion that Assange indeed has been systematically tortured by the states involved. He talks about his own prejudices with regard to Assange and how he was also unwittingly influenced by the media coverage. He shows that Assange did not commit any of the crimes he has been accused of but has been the victim of political persecution for publicizing US war crimes, essentially for speaking truth to power. He also shows that aside of what one might think of Assange personally his case is used by political elites to stiffle investigative journalism and that even though Julian has not been convincted of anything yet except violating UK bail conditions, his arbitrary dentention, his whole case, the complete disregard of not only his rights as an accused, but moreover his most basic human rights were violated at each stage by practically every authority involved. This has already had a chilling effect on investigative journalism in general, since Assange's case shows that nobody exposing government corruption and crimes is safe.
After trying all the official channels to intervene on Julian's behalf and being blocked, lied to, having his professional opinion disgarded, Nils Melzer decided to write this book to make the public aware of this unprecedented assault on press freedom and on the freedom of all of us.
Melzer describes his professional background, his expertise, his UN mandate, the principles and guidelines he adheres to in his investigations very transparently and so lifts the curtain on the work of a UN special rapporteur. He is also a gifted story teller, so his account reads like an enthralling mix of a crime investigation story and a courtroom drama.
A must read for everyone concerned with the current state of Western democracy/ies. This book by law professor, expert in international law and UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Nils Melzer chronicles his initinally reluctant involvement with the case of Julian Assange and how he came to the conclusion that Assange indeed has been systematically tortured by the states involved. He talks about his own prejudices with regard to Assange and how he was also unwittingly influenced by the media coverage. He shows that Assange did not commit any of the crimes he has been accused of but has been the victim of political persecution for publicizing US war crimes, essentially for speaking truth to power. He also shows that aside of what one might think of Assange personally his case is used by political elites to stiffle investigative journalism and that even though Julian has not been convincted of anything yet except violating UK bail conditions, his arbitrary dentention, his whole case, the complete disregard of not only his rights as an accused, but moreover his most basic human rights were violated at each stage by practically every authority involved. This has already had a chilling effect on investigative journalism in general, since Assange's case shows that nobody exposing government corruption and crimes is safe.
After trying all the official channels to intervene on Julian's behalf and being blocked, lied to, having his professional opinion disgarded, Nils Melzer decided to write this book to make the public aware of this unprecedented assault on press freedom and on the freedom of all of us.
Melzer describes his professional background, his expertise, his UN mandate, the principles and guidelines he adheres to in his investigations very transparently and so lifts the curtain on the work of a UN special rapporteur. He is also a gifted story teller, so his account reads like an enthralling mix of a crime investigation story and a courtroom drama.
May 30, 2022
This book completely changed my thoughts about Julian Assange. I supported the idea of WikiLeaks, but I used to dismiss Assange as a creepy rapist skateboard hacker bro who supported Trump. Even the author—the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture—initially dismissed Assange for those reasons.
Serving as a summary of the case and his findings, the book describes the multinational plan to have Assange extradited to the United States, where he would be either brutally tortured or executed. Due process is completely ignored multiple times by multiple countries' governments in hopes of making an example out of Assange and thereby putting a chokehold on the entire field of investigative journalism. Assange has been severely tortured by the US, UK, Ecuador, and Sweden.
He currently resides in a British prison despite not being charged with anything. He has been there for over three years. Before that, he was trapped in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for seven years. He is isolated from essentially all social interaction, including with his lawyers. It's awful, and it's killing him. He didn't even commit a crime!
Free Assange!
Serving as a summary of the case and his findings, the book describes the multinational plan to have Assange extradited to the United States, where he would be either brutally tortured or executed. Due process is completely ignored multiple times by multiple countries' governments in hopes of making an example out of Assange and thereby putting a chokehold on the entire field of investigative journalism. Assange has been severely tortured by the US, UK, Ecuador, and Sweden.
He currently resides in a British prison despite not being charged with anything. He has been there for over three years. Before that, he was trapped in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for seven years. He is isolated from essentially all social interaction, including with his lawyers. It's awful, and it's killing him. He didn't even commit a crime!
Free Assange!
June 18, 2021
Compelling investigation and tremendous book by Nils Melzer, UN Special Rapporteur in torture who confirmed that Assange os being tortured in England.
This would be an enjoyable but over-the-top justice drama if it were fiction - only that it's true and the outrageous juridicial scandals of 3 Western countries (USA, Sweden, England) and its complicit, silent allies (Australia, Germany...) are happening in front of our eyes in real time, and since 10 years. And the worst is, that its designed to be an endless trial to keep Assange locked up, since there's really no legal base to prosecute him. Julian Assange's case IS Kafka's trial.
Laid out precisely and densely by Melzer, Assange's case is so shocking and unnegotiably condemnable, it's simply beyond belief. Melzer has a reduced, on-point writing style which is very appealing. He doesn't waste hundreds of pages on Assange's childhood or the genesis of Wikileaks but comes to the point. He starts by pointing out that he first ignored pleas to look into the Assange case because he had bias against him. He self-reflectively concludes that the involved governments smear campaign against Assange had largely worked, even on him. He starts with the scandalous Swedish investigations of alleged rape, which were dropped after 3 trys and ten years. Then come the years in the Equadorian embassy which was stormed to prosecute Assange... the never-ending solitary confinement in Belmarsh and the show trial with a Queen of Hearts judge. Just a few details of tge trial : suddenly England was a under-developed country where screens and speakers didn't work so that the journalists couldn't follow it...
Melzer in sincere, reliable detail and great language gives account of the Assange case, one of the biggest injustices and scandals of our time. By all means, read it.
This would be an enjoyable but over-the-top justice drama if it were fiction - only that it's true and the outrageous juridicial scandals of 3 Western countries (USA, Sweden, England) and its complicit, silent allies (Australia, Germany...) are happening in front of our eyes in real time, and since 10 years. And the worst is, that its designed to be an endless trial to keep Assange locked up, since there's really no legal base to prosecute him. Julian Assange's case IS Kafka's trial.
Laid out precisely and densely by Melzer, Assange's case is so shocking and unnegotiably condemnable, it's simply beyond belief. Melzer has a reduced, on-point writing style which is very appealing. He doesn't waste hundreds of pages on Assange's childhood or the genesis of Wikileaks but comes to the point. He starts by pointing out that he first ignored pleas to look into the Assange case because he had bias against him. He self-reflectively concludes that the involved governments smear campaign against Assange had largely worked, even on him. He starts with the scandalous Swedish investigations of alleged rape, which were dropped after 3 trys and ten years. Then come the years in the Equadorian embassy which was stormed to prosecute Assange... the never-ending solitary confinement in Belmarsh and the show trial with a Queen of Hearts judge. Just a few details of tge trial : suddenly England was a under-developed country where screens and speakers didn't work so that the journalists couldn't follow it...
Melzer in sincere, reliable detail and great language gives account of the Assange case, one of the biggest injustices and scandals of our time. By all means, read it.
October 7, 2021
One of the most striking books I have ever read. Democracy is being attacked on all fronts and not only in Countries were we expect it but also here right in its own Heart. This is the fight that can't be lost if we don't want to slide back into Tyranny. An ecxelent explanation of Propaganda and the complete moccary of the Judical System. If we torture how can we tell others how to run a democracy?
April 18, 2024
This book is a must-read for everybody! Be careful: The truth might surprise you!
June 17, 2021
Well written book about the complex case of Julian Assange and how his rights and health were deliberately destroyed. It's an important book about the state of human rights in Western societies.
July 10, 2023
A very persuasive journal of the persecution of Julian Assange by the Swedish, British, and US governments, in their attempt to suppress future whistleblowers of their acts of torture and other misdeeds.
January 1, 2023
Well written, insightful, and inspiring
The Trial of Julian Assange is a damning critique of the legal proceedings against the controversial WikiLeaks founder, written by Nils Melzer, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture. In this book, Melzer argues that Assange has been subjected to a politically motivated show trial, designed to silence him and deter other whistleblowers from coming forward.
At the heart of Melzer's argument is the claim that Assange has been denied a fair trial. He points out that the charges against Assange, which include allegations of computer hacking and espionage, have been brought by the United States, a country with a long history of hostile relations with WikiLeaks. Melzer argues that the U.S. has used its economic and political power to pressure other countries, including Sweden and the United Kingdom, to cooperate in the prosecution of Assange.
Moreover, Melzer argues that Assange has been subjected to inhumane treatment while in detention. He points to the harsh conditions of Assange's confinement in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he was forced to stay for over seven years, as well as the degrading treatment he has received while in prison in the U.K. Melzer cites evidence of physical and psychological abuse, including solitary confinement, denial of medical care, and forced sedation, which he believes amounts to torture.
One of the most compelling aspects of The Trial of Julian Assange is the way it exposes the hypocrisy of the U.S. government and its allies. Melzer points out that while the U.S. claims to be a champion of free speech and press freedom, it has gone to great lengths to silence and punish Assange for exposing its secrets. He also highlights the double standards at play, noting that while Assange has been vilified for publishing classified information, mainstream media outlets such as the New York Times and the Guardian have faced no repercussions for doing the same.
Overall, The Trial of Julian Assange is a powerful and thought-provoking book that raises important questions about the state of democracy and the rule of law in the 21st century. Whether you agree with Melzer's arguments or not, this book is sure to stimulate discussion and debate about the role of whistleblowers, the power of the media, and the influence of government and corporate interests.
The Trial of Julian Assange is a damning critique of the legal proceedings against the controversial WikiLeaks founder, written by Nils Melzer, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture. In this book, Melzer argues that Assange has been subjected to a politically motivated show trial, designed to silence him and deter other whistleblowers from coming forward.
At the heart of Melzer's argument is the claim that Assange has been denied a fair trial. He points out that the charges against Assange, which include allegations of computer hacking and espionage, have been brought by the United States, a country with a long history of hostile relations with WikiLeaks. Melzer argues that the U.S. has used its economic and political power to pressure other countries, including Sweden and the United Kingdom, to cooperate in the prosecution of Assange.
Moreover, Melzer argues that Assange has been subjected to inhumane treatment while in detention. He points to the harsh conditions of Assange's confinement in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he was forced to stay for over seven years, as well as the degrading treatment he has received while in prison in the U.K. Melzer cites evidence of physical and psychological abuse, including solitary confinement, denial of medical care, and forced sedation, which he believes amounts to torture.
One of the most compelling aspects of The Trial of Julian Assange is the way it exposes the hypocrisy of the U.S. government and its allies. Melzer points out that while the U.S. claims to be a champion of free speech and press freedom, it has gone to great lengths to silence and punish Assange for exposing its secrets. He also highlights the double standards at play, noting that while Assange has been vilified for publishing classified information, mainstream media outlets such as the New York Times and the Guardian have faced no repercussions for doing the same.
Overall, The Trial of Julian Assange is a powerful and thought-provoking book that raises important questions about the state of democracy and the rule of law in the 21st century. Whether you agree with Melzer's arguments or not, this book is sure to stimulate discussion and debate about the role of whistleblowers, the power of the media, and the influence of government and corporate interests.
June 28, 2023
"Ognuno di noi può cambiare il mondo attraverso un'azione coraggiosa. Per far sì che l'oscurità si dilegui, dobbiamo guardare altrove per trovare la luce. È sufficiente far risplendere la nostra luce, proprio dove ci troviamo nella nostra vita di tutti i giorni. Per farlo, tutto ciò di cui abbiamo bisogno è il coraggio di essere onesti con noi stessi e con il mondo. "
Un testo incredibile.
Una narrazione che fa paura!
Ho desiderato, pagina dopo pagina, si trattasse di un romanzo di pura fantasia, di fantascienza.
Un desiderio rimasto tale e boicottato dalle fonti storiografiche contemporanee.
Una serie di eventi che mettono in luce l'ipocrisia mondiale, la debolezza degli strumenti in dotazione all'ONU, l'assenza dello Stato di Diritto in democrazie "mature".
Per capirne la gravità, immaginate di denunciare un crimine, un omicidio, una tortura di cui venite a conoscenza ma che, per il benessere psicofisico della collettività e del sistema, quel crimine doveva rimanere nascosto ed impunito: così, anziché indagare e processare i responsabili del crimine, venite processati voi che avete gridato la verità!...
Un romanzo irrazionale, che romanzo in realtà non è!
Ecco perché fa paura questa narrazione, giunta quasi ad un tremendo capolinea. Perché "purtroppo, di solito, il problema non sta nel fatto che non conosciamo la verità, bensì che non vogliamo conoscerla."
E mancando di coraggio per gridarla, quella verità, manchiamo di rispetto a noi stessi ed agli altri, in un'oscura esistenza di evidenti, conclamate, ma mai divulgate, ingiustizie sociali.
Un testo incredibile.
Una narrazione che fa paura!
Ho desiderato, pagina dopo pagina, si trattasse di un romanzo di pura fantasia, di fantascienza.
Un desiderio rimasto tale e boicottato dalle fonti storiografiche contemporanee.
Una serie di eventi che mettono in luce l'ipocrisia mondiale, la debolezza degli strumenti in dotazione all'ONU, l'assenza dello Stato di Diritto in democrazie "mature".
Per capirne la gravità, immaginate di denunciare un crimine, un omicidio, una tortura di cui venite a conoscenza ma che, per il benessere psicofisico della collettività e del sistema, quel crimine doveva rimanere nascosto ed impunito: così, anziché indagare e processare i responsabili del crimine, venite processati voi che avete gridato la verità!...
Un romanzo irrazionale, che romanzo in realtà non è!
Ecco perché fa paura questa narrazione, giunta quasi ad un tremendo capolinea. Perché "purtroppo, di solito, il problema non sta nel fatto che non conosciamo la verità, bensì che non vogliamo conoscerla."
E mancando di coraggio per gridarla, quella verità, manchiamo di rispetto a noi stessi ed agli altri, in un'oscura esistenza di evidenti, conclamate, ma mai divulgate, ingiustizie sociali.
August 6, 2022
I find myself laughing out loud on multiple occasions (apologise to the cafe staff) at the absurdity of it all. It is awe inspiring how Nils Melzer kept his sanity while he investigate the case of Julian Assange.
Simply put, this is a must read book; be warned, It will not be a joyful experience.
Simply put, this is a must read book; be warned, It will not be a joyful experience.
March 31, 2024
Non sono come Sensei Melzer, quindi l'unica lettera che invierei a Stati Uniti, Regno Unito, Svezia, Ecuador e Australia conterrebbe un messaggio tipo questo: mocc a te, a chitevviv, chitestraviv, chitevviecch, chitestraviecch, chitemmuort, chitestramuort, ai muort di chitemmuort, ai muort di chitestramuort, ai megl muort di chitestramuort.
Fondamentale e totale.
Fondamentale e totale.
May 13, 2024
(49/50) LETS GO! Julian Assange’s situation is akin to The Trial by Franz Kafka, in that his predicament seems to face neverending hurdles, with constant legal clutter portraying an endless uphill battle. This genre of book highlights the punishment and unjust treatment of whistleblowers and human rights activists. After reading this and Permanent Record by Edward Snowden, Chelsea Manning’s book is sure to be next in line, completing the set of stories from the Big 3.
My only qualm was that Melzer had a very vindictive writing style, and felt like he might be too close to the problem to accurately portray the depiction of events. On the other hand, he is the UN special rapporteur on torture, as well as an expert on international law, so maybe his palpable anger is justified.
My only qualm was that Melzer had a very vindictive writing style, and felt like he might be too close to the problem to accurately portray the depiction of events. On the other hand, he is the UN special rapporteur on torture, as well as an expert on international law, so maybe his palpable anger is justified.
June 18, 2021
Compelling investigation and tremendous book by Nils Melzer, UN Special Rapporteur in torture who confirmed that Assange os being tortured in England.
This would be an enjoyable but over-the-top justice drama if it were fiction - only that it's true and the outrageous juridicial scandals of 3 Western countries (USA, Sweden, England) and its complicit, silent allies (Australia, Germany...) are happening in front of our eyes in real time, and since 10 years. And the worst is, that its designed to be an endless trial to keep Assange locked up, since there's really no legal base to prosecute him. Julian Assange's case IS Kafka's trial.
Laid out precisely and densely by Melzer, Assange's case is so shocking and unnegotiably condemnable, it's simply beyond belief. Melzer has a reduced, on-point writing style which is very appealing. He doesn't waste hundreds of pages on Assange's childhood or the genesis of Wikileaks but comes to the point. He starts by pointing out that he first ignored pleas to look into the Assange case because he had bias against him. He self-reflectively concludes that the involved governments smear campaign against Assange had largely worked, even on him. He starts with the scandalous Swedish investigations of alleged rape, which were dropped after 3 trys and ten years. Then come the years in the Equadorian embassy which was stormed to prosecute Assange... the never-ending solitary confinement in Belmarsh and the show trial with a Queen of Hearts judge. Just a few details of tge trial : suddenly England was a under-developed country where screens and speakers didn't work so that the journalists couldn't follow it...
Melzer in sincere, reliable detail and great language gives account of the Assange case, one of the biggest injustices and scandals of our time. By all means, read it.
This would be an enjoyable but over-the-top justice drama if it were fiction - only that it's true and the outrageous juridicial scandals of 3 Western countries (USA, Sweden, England) and its complicit, silent allies (Australia, Germany...) are happening in front of our eyes in real time, and since 10 years. And the worst is, that its designed to be an endless trial to keep Assange locked up, since there's really no legal base to prosecute him. Julian Assange's case IS Kafka's trial.
Laid out precisely and densely by Melzer, Assange's case is so shocking and unnegotiably condemnable, it's simply beyond belief. Melzer has a reduced, on-point writing style which is very appealing. He doesn't waste hundreds of pages on Assange's childhood or the genesis of Wikileaks but comes to the point. He starts by pointing out that he first ignored pleas to look into the Assange case because he had bias against him. He self-reflectively concludes that the involved governments smear campaign against Assange had largely worked, even on him. He starts with the scandalous Swedish investigations of alleged rape, which were dropped after 3 trys and ten years. Then come the years in the Equadorian embassy which was stormed to prosecute Assange... the never-ending solitary confinement in Belmarsh and the show trial with a Queen of Hearts judge. Just a few details of tge trial : suddenly England was a under-developed country where screens and speakers didn't work so that the journalists couldn't follow it...
Melzer in sincere, reliable detail and great language gives account of the Assange case, one of the biggest injustices and scandals of our time. By all means, read it.
October 14, 2021
Ich habe noch nie so ein Auf und Ab erlebt. Ich lege jedem das Buch ans Herz, wer die Gerechtigkeit schätzt. Ich habe die Berichterstattungen von Julian Assange mitverfolgt, doch jetzt Zweifel ich an das, was ich je gesehen und gehört habe. Ein Fall der mir wahrlich zu Bedenken gibt, was mit dem investigativen Journalismus in Zukunft geschehen wird und wie sehr die Regierungen Macht über jeden einzelnen haben und unschuldige Menschen, die nur nach der Wahrheit suchen, ihre Menschenwürde aberkennen, indem sie die Gesetze drehen und wenden wie sie wollen. Damit will ich nicht sagen, dass es immer so abläuft oder das jede Regierung so ist, doch wir sollten immer mit offenen Augen und Neutralität jeden Fall anschauen, bevor wir ein Urteil bilden, das nur auf halben Fakten beruht oder sogar Unwahrheiten. Wahrlich ein Buch, das zum Denken anregt und die Sicht auf vieles ändert. Wir sollten definitiv mehr hinterfragen, als hinterher zu laufen und vor allem sollten wir den investigativen Journalismus und alle diejenigen, die versuchen die Wahrheit ans Licht zu bringen, schützen! Danke an Nils Melzer, den UNO Sonderberichterstatter für Folter, dass er das Buch mit jeglichen Fakten über Assange und den Fall über Jahre hinweg präzise zusammenfasst. Er selbst schreibt, dass er zuerst nicht glauben wollte was Staaten anrichten können, bis er selbst begonnen hat zu Recherchieren und den Fall Julian Assange annahm. Das zeigt nur, dass wir mehr hinterfragen sollten wie ein System funktioniert. Sehr komplexer Fall, aber lohnenswert sich mehr damit auseinandersetzen!
March 31, 2022
perhaps the most important part of this book is who it’s written by: a un special rapporteur, chosen for this position bc of his extreme knowledge and ability to be objective.
this book is wonderful in the way it looks at the Julian Assange case through the lens of torture & US persecution of whistleblowers in general—Julian himself isn’t the target, but rather trying to prevent further US secrets/atrocities from being revealed. this book also is groundbreaking in considering psychological torture, arbitrary jailing/containment, and disregarding due process by stretching out court proceedings over decades.
ultimately this book considers the way that western democracies collude with each other to conceal state secrets—and how human rights are not truly valued in these governments when it comes to prosecuting their own war crimes and allowing for truth tellers like Assange to make state violence public knowledge.
Clearly, this book takes on a lot and I believe it does what it sets out to do. My only qualms are that it’s organization can be confusing, and at the beginning I felt like maybe I was lacking knowledge of the case that I should of known ahead of time, but it is all explained throughout !
this book is wonderful in the way it looks at the Julian Assange case through the lens of torture & US persecution of whistleblowers in general—Julian himself isn’t the target, but rather trying to prevent further US secrets/atrocities from being revealed. this book also is groundbreaking in considering psychological torture, arbitrary jailing/containment, and disregarding due process by stretching out court proceedings over decades.
ultimately this book considers the way that western democracies collude with each other to conceal state secrets—and how human rights are not truly valued in these governments when it comes to prosecuting their own war crimes and allowing for truth tellers like Assange to make state violence public knowledge.
Clearly, this book takes on a lot and I believe it does what it sets out to do. My only qualms are that it’s organization can be confusing, and at the beginning I felt like maybe I was lacking knowledge of the case that I should of known ahead of time, but it is all explained throughout !
July 14, 2023
This author has balls! He is a UN special reporteur on human rights and every government involved in the Assange hunt has blown him off. He had no other choice but to write this and it blew me away.
The trial and persecution of Julian Assange is so terrifying that I had to take this book in small bits at a time. This is an example of power corruption, malpractice of international law, torture and a successful smear campaign all in one true and ongoing story. Assange has Asperger syndrome and we are all sitting here allowing for his torturous decline. The media and Western citizens have an obligation to speak up for Julian Assange. If we don’t, we are all fucked!
As an aside, the audiobook narrator did a great job and the organization of the book is expertly done. Perfectly executed book on a devastating topic.
FREE! JULIAN! ASSANGE!
The trial and persecution of Julian Assange is so terrifying that I had to take this book in small bits at a time. This is an example of power corruption, malpractice of international law, torture and a successful smear campaign all in one true and ongoing story. Assange has Asperger syndrome and we are all sitting here allowing for his torturous decline. The media and Western citizens have an obligation to speak up for Julian Assange. If we don’t, we are all fucked!
As an aside, the audiobook narrator did a great job and the organization of the book is expertly done. Perfectly executed book on a devastating topic.
FREE! JULIAN! ASSANGE!
June 19, 2022
Required reading for anyone of the internet age. A comprehensive look at the Julian Assange's blatantly illegal persecution he faces day in and day out. Before reading this I assumed — like many, including the author — that Assange and WikiLeaks were, for lack of a better word, "cringe". That couldn't be further from the truth of the matter, but I was fooled by the multinational smear campaign as I'm sure many people are.
July 16, 2024
This book tells the whole story of Julian Assange's persecution. It shows really well how most Western governments with support of the mainstream media tried to demonize Julian Assange as a person and use this public picture of him to destroy investigative journalism in the long term. If you want to read about government-sponsored conspiracy, you should read this. The media coverage of Assange's recent release from prison confirms the main thesis of the book. Rather than celebrating this man as an investigative journalist, most media still describe Assange as a Russian spy that was involved in a long judicial dispute and is now proven guily as a criminal.
Reading this book is very frustrating, but eye-opening.
Reading this book is very frustrating, but eye-opening.
March 4, 2024
A must-read.
April 16, 2024
should be classed as a horror book
free my man he didn’t do shit ✊✊✊✊
free my man he didn’t do shit ✊✊✊✊
October 11, 2022
An extremely well articulated and compelling overview of Julian Assange's case, which shone a light on all of my prejudices and rigorously dispelled them. A must read.
September 28, 2022
Shocking misuse of judiciary by corrupt politicians to hide their crimes!
December 14, 2022
"The interests pursued by governments are always political, and their priority is never the promotion of human rights. If and when human rights are put on the political agenda, it almost always serves ulterior motives such as enhancing national reputation, denigrating other states, obtaining financial aid packages, or justifying military interventions." - Melzer, The Trial of Julian Assange, p.55
"You have the right to free speech, as long as you're not dumb enough to actually try it." - The Clash, Know Your Rights
The Trial of Julian Assange: A Story of Persecution is one of the most frightening books I've ever read. Brave and principled, Melzer's experience as a human rights investigator for the United Nations prepared him well for this patient and detailed account of collaboration between the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Equador.
The more Melzer digs into this case, the more calculated, bureaucratic, punitive treatment he discovers.
Eventually while reporting on Assange's 2020 British trial for extradition to the US*, in the subchapter The Screaming Silence of the Press the author notes that the established press in the US, UK and Australia "does not seem to have understood the existential danger posed by the trial of Julian Assange to press freedom, due process, democracy and the rule of law"..."not a single mainstream media outlet protests the blatant violations of due process, human dignity and the rule of law that pervade the entire trial."
As a witness to the trial and a subject matter expert, Melzer sees this perfectly clearly. One has to wonder, with a slightly wider perspective, what percentage of the stories on many other topics published in these same media are subject to similarly skewed viewpoints? And what might be the reason for it?
Assange's treatment at the hands of these Western governments is more sophisticated and nuanced than that given Khashoggi by Saudi Arabia but the result, and the intent -- intimidate those who would expose government corruption -- is much the same.
Read this book while you still can.
------------------------------------------
* Presided over by Her Honor Judge Vanessa Baraitser
"You have the right to free speech, as long as you're not dumb enough to actually try it." - The Clash, Know Your Rights
The Trial of Julian Assange: A Story of Persecution is one of the most frightening books I've ever read. Brave and principled, Melzer's experience as a human rights investigator for the United Nations prepared him well for this patient and detailed account of collaboration between the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Equador.
The more Melzer digs into this case, the more calculated, bureaucratic, punitive treatment he discovers.
Eventually while reporting on Assange's 2020 British trial for extradition to the US*, in the subchapter The Screaming Silence of the Press the author notes that the established press in the US, UK and Australia "does not seem to have understood the existential danger posed by the trial of Julian Assange to press freedom, due process, democracy and the rule of law"..."not a single mainstream media outlet protests the blatant violations of due process, human dignity and the rule of law that pervade the entire trial."
As a witness to the trial and a subject matter expert, Melzer sees this perfectly clearly. One has to wonder, with a slightly wider perspective, what percentage of the stories on many other topics published in these same media are subject to similarly skewed viewpoints? And what might be the reason for it?
Assange's treatment at the hands of these Western governments is more sophisticated and nuanced than that given Khashoggi by Saudi Arabia but the result, and the intent -- intimidate those who would expose government corruption -- is much the same.
Read this book while you still can.
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* Presided over by Her Honor Judge Vanessa Baraitser
September 22, 2022
Even in the darkest room, the light of a single candle is enough to enable everyone to see. Julian Assange has lit such a candle with his work. He has exposed crimes, abuse and corruption that had been concealed behind a curtain of secrecy. It was only a brief glimpse behind the curtain, but sometimes one glimpse is enough to change our entire worldview.
I would say one of the much needed books
I would say one of the much needed books
May 11, 2022
This book is written by Niels Melzer who was UN special rapporteur on torture.
The author could have shortened the long monologues and shortened his own experiences and feelings, in spite of these shortcomings the book is a must read.
The book dispels the myth around the claims of Julian Assange being a rapist, hacker, tech terrorist and exposes how the Western 'democratic' institutions are a joke.
It details how Assange has been hounded by the British, Swedish, Australian, Ecuadorian, and American governments over the sin of publishing the dirty secrets such as war crimes and corruption.
Western democracies virtue signal every now and then and provide 'democracy rankings', press 'freedom' rankings etc to rest of the world. If you read this book you will realise that all this is just virtue signalling and when they come across dissidents they put them in Kangaroo courts and harass them till the end.
If this is how they treat Assange, they have no right to question MBS getting Kashoggi killed or Putin hounding his dissidents or the absolute lack of freedom of speech in China.
After reading the book I wouldn't be surprised if evntually Assange killed himself in jail or just found dead one day due to 'illness'. There is no escape from this. They are out to get him and they will. These 'democracies' with a 'rule of law' will make him pay for exposing their war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The author could have shortened the long monologues and shortened his own experiences and feelings, in spite of these shortcomings the book is a must read.
The book dispels the myth around the claims of Julian Assange being a rapist, hacker, tech terrorist and exposes how the Western 'democratic' institutions are a joke.
It details how Assange has been hounded by the British, Swedish, Australian, Ecuadorian, and American governments over the sin of publishing the dirty secrets such as war crimes and corruption.
Western democracies virtue signal every now and then and provide 'democracy rankings', press 'freedom' rankings etc to rest of the world. If you read this book you will realise that all this is just virtue signalling and when they come across dissidents they put them in Kangaroo courts and harass them till the end.
If this is how they treat Assange, they have no right to question MBS getting Kashoggi killed or Putin hounding his dissidents or the absolute lack of freedom of speech in China.
After reading the book I wouldn't be surprised if evntually Assange killed himself in jail or just found dead one day due to 'illness'. There is no escape from this. They are out to get him and they will. These 'democracies' with a 'rule of law' will make him pay for exposing their war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan.
February 13, 2022
Nils Melzer is a courageous and meticulous observer and law expert who first reported the treatment of Julian Assange as psychological torture. This book is a detailed history of the Assange case from the beginning up to the present as of the time of publication. Dr. Melzer shows admirable restraint when dealing with the co-conspirators of the United States--Sweden, Ecuador and especially the UK--and their crimes against Julian Assange, all of which are revenge for having their war crimes exposed to the world. The corruption of the British judicial system is particularly heinous in the Assange case, with judges flouting all legal norms, such as excluding exculpatory evidence, dismissing witnesses, deliberately separating Assange from his attorneys, spying on confidential meetings with his attorneys, needlessly keeping Assange incarcerated and much more when, it must be remembered JULIAN ASSANGE HAS COMMITTED NO CRIME.
I recommend this book highly, especially to those who still believe that Julian is guilty of the smears against him by the war criminals. They need to learn the truth about the smearing and mobbing of a man who brought the truth to the world about the crimes of the powerful.
Dr. Melzer is to be commended for his dogged and determined work on behalf of Julian Assange and on behalf of us all regarding the future of free speech.
I recommend this book highly, especially to those who still believe that Julian is guilty of the smears against him by the war criminals. They need to learn the truth about the smearing and mobbing of a man who brought the truth to the world about the crimes of the powerful.
Dr. Melzer is to be commended for his dogged and determined work on behalf of Julian Assange and on behalf of us all regarding the future of free speech.
April 6, 2022
Everyone should read this!
"Assange is not persecuted for his own crimes, but for the crimes of the powerful. It is the powerful who undermine our democratic institutions and the rule of law; who refuse to prosecute torture, war crimes and corruption; who betray our legal systems and shared values.
We are talkimg about wars of aggression, torture, murder...The fact that not a single military commander, political leader, soldier or other official has been held accountable, gravely sabotages our credibility, legitimacy and authority of our democratic institutions, and should send a cold chill down our spines."
US private intel firm, Stratfor 2010: "Pile on. Move him [Assange] from country to country to face various charges for the next 25 years. Seize everything he and his family own to include every person linked to Wiki."
Edit: I added a couple more shelves-iraq because that was the subject of the leaked collateral murder video and prison/abolition to show how F'd up our justice/carceral system is in support of empire.
"Assange is not persecuted for his own crimes, but for the crimes of the powerful. It is the powerful who undermine our democratic institutions and the rule of law; who refuse to prosecute torture, war crimes and corruption; who betray our legal systems and shared values.
We are talkimg about wars of aggression, torture, murder...The fact that not a single military commander, political leader, soldier or other official has been held accountable, gravely sabotages our credibility, legitimacy and authority of our democratic institutions, and should send a cold chill down our spines."
US private intel firm, Stratfor 2010: "Pile on. Move him [Assange] from country to country to face various charges for the next 25 years. Seize everything he and his family own to include every person linked to Wiki."
Edit: I added a couple more shelves-iraq because that was the subject of the leaked collateral murder video and prison/abolition to show how F'd up our justice/carceral system is in support of empire.
March 4, 2024
Libro che spiega molto bene le dinamiche giudiziarie intervenute e in corso nel processo ad Assange e le attività svolte dall’ONU nell’ambito della tutela dei diritti umani.
Non ci sono riferimenti puntuali e note a documenti ufficiali e media, ad eccezione del materiale reperibile sul sito ONU, e questo aspetto in prima istanza mi ha deluso. D’altro canto, tenuto conto che l’autore è relatore ONU per i diritti umani, un rimando puntuale alle fonti di informazione pubblica, ove possibile, probabilmente ne avrebbe svilito la passione e gli obiettivi.
Consigliato!
Non ci sono riferimenti puntuali e note a documenti ufficiali e media, ad eccezione del materiale reperibile sul sito ONU, e questo aspetto in prima istanza mi ha deluso. D’altro canto, tenuto conto che l’autore è relatore ONU per i diritti umani, un rimando puntuale alle fonti di informazione pubblica, ove possibile, probabilmente ne avrebbe svilito la passione e gli obiettivi.
Consigliato!
August 25, 2022
Disappointing epilogue. The author doesn’t seem to have specific structural changes in mind that would address the collusion between the ostensibly balancing functions of democratic states, instead urging us to reflect upon our personal capacity for evil. That’s okay, though. I don’t have any better ideas.
Otherwise engaging and fun to read. Enjoyed the detailed legal analysis. Free Julian! Hack the planet!
Otherwise engaging and fun to read. Enjoyed the detailed legal analysis. Free Julian! Hack the planet!
May 6, 2022
The persecution of Assange is a chilling message to all journalists, and to all of us. Pay special attention to pages 72-80. It's not just torture of one, it's how we're all being worked on by the government and media.
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