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The twelfth day of proceedings in the trial portion of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's extradition hearing will begin shortly. I'll have live updates. #AssangeTrial
Yesterday, lead prosecutor James Lewis asserted Assange exaggerates his symptoms of depression, and in fact, no one with severe or moderate depression could possibly function and run a media organization. https://shadowproof.com/2020/09/22/us-prosecution-assange-exaggerates-depression-extradition-trial/ #AssangeTrial
Housekeeping note: To receive written reports in your inbox after each day of court, go to http://dissenter.substack.com/subscribe . It's that easy to stay informed on #AssangeTrial
Dr. Quinton Deeley, National Health Service psychiatrist who specializes in autism, ADHD, & other mental health issues, will testify first.
By afternoon, we'll have Professor Paul Mullen, psychiatrist in Australia who diagnosed Assange with depression in 1995. #AssangeTrial
By afternoon, we'll have Professor Paul Mullen, psychiatrist in Australia who diagnosed Assange with depression in 1995. #AssangeTrial
Dr. Quinton Deeley takes the witness stand in the Old Bailey Courthouse #AssangeTrial
Assange told Deeley about conditions he feared if extradited to the United States, fears of isolation, and fears of new indictment. Also was concerned about Joshua Schulte, who was accused of releasing Vault 7 materials, and how Schulte was confined before trial. #AssangeTrial
We are hearing evidence related to Deeley's autism diagnosis and some of the features of disorder that stood out to Deeley. #AssangeTrial
Deeley says risk of suicide would be high if extradited. "It’s an outcome which he fears, which he dreads."
He "ruminates about prospective circumstances at length." #AssangeTrial
He "ruminates about prospective circumstances at length." #AssangeTrial
Deeley added that risk is "influenced by his appraisal of his prospective circumstances," which he views as "intolerable ordeal. He views it as unjust." #AssangeTrial
Deeley testifies Assange is "prominent public figure," and he sees what he is going through as "exemplary punishment" — an "example is being made out of him." It "compounds his sense of its unbearability." #AssangeTrial
Fitzgerald asked Deeley what would happen if Assange was extradited and confined in US prison. Deeley said it would "cause severe deterioration of his mental state."
He was severely depressed in 2019. Improved to moderate depression this year. #AssangeTrial
He was severely depressed in 2019. Improved to moderate depression this year. #AssangeTrial
Prosecutor James Lewis is going over Deeley's autism diagnosis of Assange #AssangeTrial
Prosecution shows clips from a Frontline Club event, where Assange participated in a Q&A. The US government believes this undermines the autism diagnosis because it's their view autistic person could not function well in this setting. #AssangeTrial
The clips are from video of this Frontline Club event, "The Data Revolution: How WikiLeaks is Changing Journalism."
Deeley rejects what prosecutor tried to show. "Highly rehearsed social role of him talking about topic in which he has expertise." Highly structured. Lacks quality of having to respond to informal social interaction. #AssangeTrial
Lewis: Are you trying to help the court or advocate a cause?
Fitzgerald: Wholly inappropriate. Given a focused intelligible answer.
Baraitser allows Lewis to ask this antagonistic question, which has featured in most cross-exams by prosecution. #AssangeTrial
Fitzgerald: Wholly inappropriate. Given a focused intelligible answer.
Baraitser allows Lewis to ask this antagonistic question, which has featured in most cross-exams by prosecution. #AssangeTrial
Lewis went through several examples from assessments of Assange that showed he engaged with "good eye contact" and asked why Deeley still maintained his autism diagnosis of Assange #AssangeTrial
Lewis asked if depression could be alternative explanation for reduction in nonverbal communication.
Deeley said Assange's mother, as well as Kopelman's interviews with people who have known Assange, helped form basis of diagnosis #AssangeTrial
Deeley said Assange's mother, as well as Kopelman's interviews with people who have known Assange, helped form basis of diagnosis #AssangeTrial
Lewis: But he fathered children and had relationships with women?
Deeley: He has had very few lifelong friends and people who have befriended Assange all had to make allowances...accommodate odd aspects of "interpersonal functioning." #AssangeTrial
Deeley: He has had very few lifelong friends and people who have befriended Assange all had to make allowances...accommodate odd aspects of "interpersonal functioning." #AssangeTrial
Lewis: Yes but he's written books, given speeches, and hosted a "chat show."
Deeley: "It's possible to both have a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome and to demonstrate expertise and be authoritative and knowledgeable when talking about certain topics." #AssangeTrial
Deeley: "It's possible to both have a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome and to demonstrate expertise and be authoritative and knowledgeable when talking about certain topics." #AssangeTrial
Lewis: You don't mention the fact that he has written or given speeches. Why do you simply always try to defend the position?
Deeley: It's a summary judgment. I've noted the features are mild rather than marked. #AssangeTrial
Deeley: It's a summary judgment. I've noted the features are mild rather than marked. #AssangeTrial
Lewis asked Deeley if he has an "autistic trait" because he is looking at ceiling and not making eye contact during cross-exam. And Deeley took this in stride saying he is taking in body language of judge and other parties in court #AssangeTrial
Lewis asked if it is simply that Assange has elevated risk of suicide compared to "normal population of men."
Deeley said no, he would "attache more weight to risk than that." #AssangeTrial
Deeley said no, he would "attache more weight to risk than that." #AssangeTrial
Professor Mullen is unable to testify this afternoon. There is no witness after this one, and Baraitser is livid. Insisted Fitzgerald and defense team find someone to take the stand. #AssangeTrial
Defense is re-examining Dr. Deeley.
Deeley says the autism diagnosis was based on test administered, collateral interviews, case notes, psychiatric reports, and a 6-hour interview #AssangeTrial
Deeley says the autism diagnosis was based on test administered, collateral interviews, case notes, psychiatric reports, and a 6-hour interview #AssangeTrial
Fitzgerald returned to clips played from Frontline Club, and Deeley said he called Assange's remarks a "monologue" because it's "uninterrupted discourse over many minutes." He's acting as expert & inhabits "social realms, where he's granted a platform to do that." #AssangeTrial
Baraitser says she wants to conclude proceedings on October 2. Fitzgerald rises to say he doesn't think that is possible given there's 14 witnesses for next week and also closing arguments. #AssangeTrial
Lunch break. Mightily trying to see if Professor Seena Fazel, a medical expert, can take the stand this afternoon. #AssangeTrial
