Consortium News, the first investigative news magazine based on the internet, announced today that it will follow the extradition hearing of Julian Assange, which will begin today, and is expected to run three, four weeks in London’s Old Bailey Court. Every day court is in session, CN will be viewing it via video link, and will live-tweet news and commentary on the proceedings. At the conclusion of each day’s testimony, CN editor Joe Lauria will present a live recap and analysis of the day’s events on CN Live!'s YouTube channel, beginning at noon EDT and 5 p.m. in London. At its conclusion, the replay of each daily video report will be published on Consortium News.
On the dramatic opening day of the hearing, viewers learned that the U.S. prosecutors have shifted their espionage charge with a superseding indictment which charges Assange with “conspiracy to commit computer intrusion.” The defense therefore immediately moved for more time to prepare a new defense, but this was denied by Judge Vanessa Baraitser. The defense then had to present its first witness, Professor of Broadcast Journalism Mark Feldstein, to give his prepared testimony concerning — the charge of espionage!