Julian Assange objects to the leak of police files related to the rape allegations against him, published in—of all places (et tu, Brute?)—the leftist Guardian.
Actually, it’s his lawyers who object. I’m sure Assange himself would fully support the Guardian’s move, in the interests of transparency and truth and all that:
In a move that surprised many of Mr Assange’s closest supporters on Saturday, The Guardian newspaper published previously unseen police documents that accused Mr Assange in graphic detail of sexually assaulting two Swedish women. One witness is said to have stated: “Not only had it been the world’s worst screw, it had also been violent.”
Bjorn Hurtig, Mr Assange’s Swedish lawyer, said he would lodge a formal complaint to the authorities and ask them to investigate how such sensitive police material leaked into the public domain. “It is with great concern that I hear about this because it puts Julian and his defence in a bad position,” he told a colleague.
I do not like the idea that Julian may be forced into a trial in the media. And I feel especially concerned that he will be presented with the evidence in his own language for the first time when reading the newspaper. I do not know who has given these documents to the media, but the purpose can only be one thing – trying to make Julian look bad.”
However, it shouldn’t have happened—even the execrable Assange should have his legal rights protected—and I suppose it might even backfire if it is considered sufficiently prejudicial to his impending trial.
But there are many kinds of justice. And on a certain level—that of poetic justice—this can hardly be improved upon.
Previously a lifelong Democrat, born in New York and living in New England, surrounded by liberals on all sides, I've found myself slowly but surely 
December 20th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
From reading about his behavior with women it seems this guy has an ego/control problem, ie, he is severely mentally ill.
December 20th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
Awwwww poor guy.
December 20th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
I don’t care much about him being convicted on the sex charges because those incidents seem very borderline. I do like the poetic justice, especially that he was lousy at sex. Maybe some of his groupies will now have second thoughts. With a conviction, he could always play the martyr, but as tabloid fodder, his narcissistic ego will take a real hit.
December 20th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Isn’t it a shame that poor Julian can’t have any of his secrets kept. Isn’t there some right to keeping sensitive information secret? Well, no, not according to wikileaks. Hoist on his own petard.
December 20th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
The schadenfreude is strong with this one.
December 20th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX7wtNOkuHo
December 20th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Information wants to be free, right, Julian?
So the proponent of “openness” and “transparency” now wants privacy? Seriously? In a just world, his every move would be on webcam, 24/7.
December 20th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
rickl, I can’t read that line without hearing Darth Vader in my head. Plus it has German in it. Great combo.
December 20th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
Ah, but of the course the difference is he is leaking *govt* people, not private. At least that is what I have been told.
Apparently being elected means you give up all privacy but appointing yourself the Arbiter of Secrecy means you get to keep all of yours. Well, unless you are a Democrat and then we can’t go there (well, maybe if it hurts the Republicans more – can always get a new Democrat in there and most will run cover for that side anyway).
December 21st, 2010 at 9:26 am
Information must be free!!!
Live by the sword; Die by the sword.
December 21st, 2010 at 9:30 am
Expat says “I do like the poetic justice, especially that he was lousy at sex.”
Most persons who have a totally self-centered egotistical focus ARE lousy lays.
December 21st, 2010 at 12:15 pm
So Assmange is a real prick — except in bed. Figures.
December 21st, 2010 at 9:15 pm
We Hope He Was Objecting to the “Worst” Part…
There might be something just a teensy odd about allegations of Assange’s sexual terrorism……
December 23rd, 2010 at 10:32 am
> But there are many kinds of justice. And on a certain level—that of poetic justice—this can hardly be improved upon.
“Helllooooo!! Hello, ALANIS? You remember that song you wrote…? The one filled with incorrect examples…? Well, we have a correct example of it for you…!”