THE Labour leadership’s support of Julian Assange has sparked a political row. Jeremy Corbyn has called on the Government to intervene to stop the WikiLeaks co-founder’s extradition to the US, while shadow home secretary Diane Abbott also leapt to his defence.
But the latter was accused of “dismissing” the allegations of rape made against Assange in Sweden in 2012, which led him to seek refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy on London.
During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme yesterday morning, Abbott repeatedly pointed out that no charges were brought. She said: “The allegations were made but the charges were never brought. And we all know what this is about – it’s not correct charges, serious as they are, it is about the WikiLeaks and all of that embarrassing information about the activities of the American military and security services that was made public.”
When it was explained that charges could not be brought under Swedish law against a person in their absence, Abbott said: “If the Swedish government wants to come forward with charges, I believe that Assange should face the criminal justice system.”
But her comments sparked an angry response among some MPs. Tory Minister for Women Vicky Atkins said: “Diane Abbott’s dismissal of rape charges speaks volumes about Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party.
“It’s astonishing that the party which prides itself on fighting for women’s rights is so willing to ignore allegations of sexual violence. Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott need to realise that not even their heroes are above the law.”
Anna Soubry, who left the Tories to join the Independent Group, tweeted: “Shame on you
@HackneyAbbott your pal #Assange holed up in an Embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden to face allegations of rape & sexual assault. The failure of @jeremycorbyn & #DianeAbbott to stand by the women who have made those allegations is disgraceful.”
Labour MP Bridget Phillipson said on Twitter: “Assange is not the victim in all this. Those who run from justice should face the consequences. This is about the rule of law, not the politics of the accused.”
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