The WikiLeaks founder fled to the Ecuadorian embassy in London because the British courts had ordered his extradition to Sweden, where he was accused of sexual assault. An unwelcome guest who abused his hospitality, he was finally handed over to police today.
When Assange started WikiLeaks, he was hailed as hero of free speech for helping to uncover US military atrocities in Afghanistan and Iraq.
His lawyers fear his possible extradition to America would set a dangerous precedent for journalists who expose wrongdoing by the US government. While this is a concern, it does not excuse his subsequent behaviour.
Julian Assange 'has dental problems and osteoperosis' but remains defiant
Apologists for Assange should remember that he is an associate of Nigel Farage, and that WikiLeaks stands accused of undermining democracy by leaking emails that damaged Hillary Clinton’s US presidential campaign.
While it is important to protect whistle-blowers, it is also vital that they are subject to the rule of law.
High hopes
These are perilous times for Britain’s once-proud high streets.
A new report reveals that people fear town centres will soon be wiped out because of the number of stores being forced out of business.
There is no doubt that online shopping poses a serious threat to traditional retailers.
More action is needed to stop online giants gaining an unfair advantage by failing to pay their fare share of tax. But all hope is not lost.
In Wolverhampton, a collaboration between eBay and dozens of independent retailers has transformed the fortunes of the city’s traders.
It is proof that, with the right help, Britain’s high streets can make a comeback.
Echoes of 1984
Be careful – Big Sister is listening to you.
Amazon has admitted that staff eavesdrop on customers’ conversations through its Echo speaker’s digital assistant, Alexa. It raises serious questions about how this data is used.
