19 August 2012

Cryptome Protest Series: http://cryptome.org/protest-series.htm

Assange Juliets the Romedia Photos

Based on photos of Assange's appearance at the Ecuadorian Embassy he carefully did not cross the legal boundary of the embassy, that is, the national boundary of Ecuador, by stepping onto the balcony where two videographers were positioned. (A protruding balcony is considered to be outside a building in most laws governing buildings.) This could indicate recognition that if he had crossed the boundary police could have entered the embassy to arrest him on the grounds that he had breached the national boundary and thereby lost asylum protection.

An inadvertent transgression, violating a precise definition of a boundary like a national border, has been used in many other cases to pursue a person across the boundary -- borders of the Soviet satellites and US borders, for example.

Assange was awkwardly positioned in the embassy window frame to face the entire widespread crowd as he would have been able to do if he had stood on the balcony.

Toward the end of his speech Assange looked skyward, perhaps toward a helicopter which may have been video-taping his exact position. A toe, a foot, an arm might be forgiven, but a fully body likely not. Evidence will tell if he went too far, or will be accused of doing so.

His own two videographers will have evidence of compliance, although it is not clear if his lower body was taped. Photographs taken by the crowd could show more if they were zoomed to the border of Ecuador at Assange's lower body.

Not to be overlooked, however, is that his position within the window frame could have been for quick escape against violence or kidnap, official or otherwise.

Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks re-enters the embassy after making a statement from a balcony of the Equador Embassy in London, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012. Assange called on United States President Barack Obama to end a "witch hunt" against the secret-spilling WikiLeaks organization. AP

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange looks up as he retreats from the window of Ecuadorian Embassy in central London after making a statement to the media and supporters outside, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012. Assange called on United States President Barack Obama to end a "witch hunt" against the secret-spilling WikiLeaks organization. AP

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange makes a statement to the media and supporters at a window of Ecuadorian Embassy in central London, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012. Julian Assange entered the embassy in June in an attempt to gain political asylum to prevent him from being extradited to Sweden, where he faces allegations of sex crimes, which he denies. AP

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, left, with his legal adviser Balthasar Garcon, right, talk inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London, Sunday Aug. 19, 2012. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange took refuge inside Ecuador's Embassy in London two months ago, seeking to avoid extradition to Sweden for questioning over sexual misconduct allegations. Woman at centre unidentified. AP

Police officers stand outside the Ecuadorian Embassy [balcony perhaps to be Assange pulpit] in London on August 19, 2012. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was to face the world's media today from Ecuador's embassy in London where he has been holed up for two months, but the Australian risks arrest if he steps outside.