Kevin GosztolaVerified account

So we're all supposed to proceed like this is normal and totally reasonable when it is completely preposterous #Assange

Lewis says the UK Extradition Act took "radical approach as it was treaty-free," which means US had not yet ratified when came into force. "It may be slightly surprising to other foreign states," but treaty has no force in English law #Assange

Lewis adds it is merely agreement between two governments setting out their hopeful positions. (Judge said something here and I believe she was accentuating his point.) #Assange

Lewis: You can’t say we’re not prosecuting this terrorist because he tried to commit treason or any other acts. 
No such thing as political offense in ordinary English domestic law #Assange

These are the kinds of arguments that make your eyes dry out, and your mouth feel parched. But one has to pay close attention because it's in these overscrupulous arguments from prosecutors that judges seek refuge to avoid challenging authority #Assange

Again, if I have this right, Lewis says political offense exception was abolished by omission by Parliament. So he is saying judge must only apply what was proscribed in the Extradition Act itself. #Assange

This obviously is contested by defense. Lewis says, "You can’t introduce [political offense] as abuse of process cause there always has to be prejudice caused by prosecution." I don't follow entirely, but on its face, he says no bad faith on part of prosecution #Assange

Lewis agrees defense is right about Shayler case. Official Secrets is "pure political offense." "[But] we don't extradite for pure," Lewis insists. "Not approach ever in England or United States" #Assange

Prosecution quibbles with Castioni, a case cited by defense from late 1800s, because it involved offense of "political character," not a "political offense." #Assange

Fitzgerald says he's received instructions that Assange has had enough for the day.

Fitzgerald wants to know if he can meet with Assange before proceedings tomorrow. Judge says if trouble to let her know

Court is adjourned. I will be outside the courthouse very soon with a live video report on Day 3 of proceedings.