The main website glosses over with its educational programs, counselling services and gymnasium. The devil, of course is always in the detail, buried within the reports from the chief inspector of prisons. The grim picture of Wandsworth prison reflects the atmosphere described within these reports. It was six years ago when the prison was last in the spotlight for being in a terrible state. Over-crammed, cruelty to prisoners and neglect was the prime feature in news reports that dissipated from the spotlight whilst the situation lingered.
Julian Assange is spending time in jail right now for charges that have not been substantiated. The charges were brought by Swedish prosecution were initially dropped and then raised again. The charges include molestation, a charge usually brought against pedophiles, yet there are no children involved in this case. The case has been brought against Julian Assange over the malfunction of a condom where the alleged victims state was deliberate. The facts surrounding the case, makes the allegations dubious based upon the statements of the two women whom have stated that sex was consensual. The only reason why they inquired to the police initially, was to see if they could get him to take an STD test. Swedish law surrounding STD tests, is greatly contrasted to the charges made against him. The procedure is that the law can force someone to take an STD test, but only initiate charges if he knowingly transferred an infection. Given the extensive details of the case leaked to the media by the women, the charges do not even loosely warrant rape, coercion or sexual molestation as defined in the Swedish penal code.
Whilst Sweden was commended upon being a country that established good practice in promoting womens rights, well known feminists are now condemning the treatment of Julian Assange and particularly the misuse of laws. Since the publicity over these charges, the United States government have been preparing to cash in on the opportunity by planning to extradite him to be tried under the Espionage Act.
Along with recent leaks revealing the strong ties between Swedish and US intelligence, it has become obvious that the detainment of Julian Assange was never about rape, but a means for the US government to retaliate against recent releases of war crimes and corruption on behalf of their administration. Increasing news reports have been confirming links between one of the women to the CIA. The media surrounding this case has shifted the spotlight away from the crimes committed by the American government to debate surrounding the actions of Wikileaks founder and what should be done to him. Many reputable organisations have released statements condemning the detainment of Julian Assange, echoing the chorus of his lawyer that this is not a prosecution, but a persecution. The facts surrounding the case, the public statements from governments clarify that the case against Julian Assange is entirely political.
Well respected journalists, commentators and activists have spoken out on this issue, particularly their concerns about the treatment of Julian Assange whilst in confinement. Rightfully so is anyone to be concerned about his treatment, not only because of the statements of retribution made by senior members of government, but also the state that Wandsworth prison is in. It was only last year, that it was reported to be plagued with cockroaches, unhygienic and the general morale towards prisoners is already considered abusive. Just under a quarter of the prison population reported feeling unsafe and there were an unusually high number of suicide attempts.
Upon legal analysis, Julian Assange could be fighting extradition for up to a year and thus remaining under these conditions during that phase. Without substantiated charges, no innocent person should be confined especially under these conditions. The detainment of Julian Assange is not only an attack on freedom of speech, but a blow to human rights everywhere. It sends a dark message to the rest of the world, "If you help whistle blowers, we will get you jailed one way or another".
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