As I’m on leave, my colleague @katifallon_ tried to attend this morning’s hearing in Julian Assange’s case for @RSF_inter. However, only 4 people were allowed into the public gallery, so she (6th in line) was turned away. I’m now attempting to monitor on the phone. #FreeAssange
It seems only five journalists were allowed into the courtroom. The rest of us (press + NGO observers) are stuck on the conference call system that has proven completely unfit for purpose since lockdown began. https://t.co/YpZL7QgqJN
Good recap of this morning’s issues with the Assange hearing. Would be almost comical if it didn’t have such worrying implications for due process and open justice.
We’ve now had confirmation that proceedings have indeed started, but once again the conference call line has not been added to the court, meaning press and NGO observers have no remote access. This is the third hearing in which this has happened in the past five months.
.@RSF_inter has attempted to remotely monitor every administrative hearing in Assange’s case since lockdown started. Not once have we gained sufficient access to adequately follow proceedings. Even when the conference call line is connected with the court, the audio is terrible.
I have never in my career faced so much difficulty attempting to trial monitor as in Julian Assange’s case. Whether in person or remotely, there are constant barriers to access. Completely unacceptable. @RSF_inter will again be writing to the court and @MoJGovUK.
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