Kevin GosztolaVerified account

But Sommers says Assange can’t pass notes. Yes, perhaps, the judge says Serco, which is contracted for security, could work out something that would allow exchange of documents between Assange and attorneys

Sommers says the ability to speak confidentially through those glass slats is difficult. Conversations happen in proximity to security guards, representatives of US government, in proximity to microphones - a concern to Assange and lawyers given evidence of secret recordings

Judge refuses request to allow Assange to sit with his attorneys during proceedings

I’ll go back and recap. This is quite important to the rights of the accused. #Assange

Sommers described the burden on Assange that he will experience during evidentiary hearing in May-June. The judge asserts court can take frequent breaks and allow for much passing of notes to deal with the issue of participation in his defense.

Sommers noted this goes to ability of defense to present evidence coherently and in uninterrupted manner. And defendants sit with counsel in many countries, including America. Practice around the world generally speaking is to allow defendants to sit with lawyers #Assange

Judge accepted she had the jurisdiction to make a ruling on whether Assange could sit with lawyers

Defense made it clear they weren’t asking for bail. Their request was “far more nuanced, reasonable, and proportionate.” #Assange

So here is what the judge asserted in her ruling... #Assange

Judge: Physical layout of court and distance between Assange and legal team in courtroom is remedied by legal team members in back row. “You’ve has no difficulty at all in attracting attention of those who sit on legal team” and communicating via notes.

On poor acoustics, judge said she had been concerned about proximity of protests to court. Yet he was informed proceedings could pause and part of proceedings could be repeated if he had difficulty #Assange

I’ve been corrected. Defense attorney is Summers, not Sommers. Carrying on.

Judge: Headphones were provided, “which I’m told amplifies sound.” Assange declined to say when he could and could not hear proceedings

Judge added restrictions on passing notes, limitations on legal visits outside the courtroom, and presence of others who impact on ability to have confidential conversations can be remedied with measures for reasonable adequate access #Assange

Judge: Very happy to start proceedings later than usual so Assange can take instruction or he can consult with attorneys. Court offers to tak frequent breaks in three-week hearing. “If it extends three-week to much longer period,” more than happy to accommodate

On matter of Assange’s psychiatric vulnerability, judge says she’s “not been told of any particular aspect of condition that requires you to leave the secure dock” and sit with legal team

Judge concluded there are “sensible, appropriate, and proportionate measures that can and, if necessary, will be taken.” #Assange

It’s absurd to think the judge would rather the courthouse take double the time and expend double the resources all so it can keep Assange in a glass box. Undermining his due process rights makes proceedings even more cumbersome than already are

I’ll emphasize: US government is neutral and was willing to let Assange sit with attorneys. Whole world recognizes this standard as way to ensure rights of defendants are protected. Judge Baraitser rejected for no other reason than she’s not going to change procedure for Assange

Court is adjourned. This week’s proceedings are over. Will be case management hearing in April. Next extradition hearing is 3 weeks in May-June #Assange

I’ll be outside the courthouse to give a live report on Day 4, the final day of this month’s hearing #Assange

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