In London, it won't be long before a bail application hearing for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange starts. I'm attending remotely and will have updates in this thread.

Some history of the case: after Assange was arrested and expelled from the Ecuador embassy, he was convicted of "jumping" bail when he sought asylum. He was issued a 50-week sentence.

Sentencing judge said he exploited his "privileged position to flout the law."

Assange was scheduled for release from Belmarsh high-security prison in September 2019, after completing his sentence for "jumping" bail (essentially, he was criminalized for seeking asylum).

On September 22, 2019, Judge Vanessa Baraitser declined to grant Assange bail.

"I have substantial ground for believing if I release you, you will abscond again."

In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic intensified globally, Assange's legal team applied for bail that Baraitser denied.

"Mr. Assange’s past conduct shows the lengths he is prepared to go to avoid extradition proceedings," Baraitser

We're moments away from British judge announcing extradition decision in WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's case. I'll have live updates shortly.

In their closing argument, Assange's legal team outlined how they believed the case brought by the Trump Justice Department was "politically motivated"

The Crown Prosecution Service, which represents the US government in the extradition proceedings, has contended WikiLeaks is in the "business of encouraging individuals to hack into computers"—clearly criminalizing their decade-plus record of journalism.

I see a bench inside of a glass container, where Assange will be isolated during the announcement of extradition decision. This has been standard practice during his case, even after he complained about how it infringed upon his ability to participate in his defense.

Overheard Fitzgerald, who is on Assange legal team, complaining about lack of water.

"It's not as bad as Iwo Jima, I suppose..."