Thread by @Williamrt

Judge grants anonymity of the two witnesses. The names will be disclosed to a confidentiality ring, including a named CPS official, an FBI agent, and names counsel for due diligence.#Assange

Witness 2 approached the law firm of Baltasar Garzón in Madrid requesting anonymity and expressed fears of serious repercussions, according to Summers. #Assange

Later Witness 1 was introduced to the law firm. Both witnesses made a statement anonymously to notary on the basis that they and their families were at risk. #Assange

Judge Baraitser intervened, saying it was remarkably easy for Morales to identify the two witnesses from the information disclosed. Witness 1 took a 50% share in UC Global then sold it back. How is it possible that Mr Morales does not know who it is ?

Judge Baraitser also questioned how Morales would not know who Witness 2 is. Witness 2 joined UC Global in Feb 2015 as an IT expert. She asked how many people that can apply to #Assange

Summers said that both witnesses and their Spanish lawyer [Aitor Martínez Jiménez] believed if their names became public, they and their families could be put at risk. Summers mentioned Las Vegas Sands which had a contract with UC Global and its head of security. #Assange

"In short the Spanish court remains of view that protection of these witnesses remains essential for proper administration of justice," said Summers #Assange

Witness 2 reports a discussion with Morales and his 'American friends' and conversations about plans to either poison him or kidnap him, said Summers. #Assange

Summers said that the discovery of a loaded firearm was chilling. He said the object of the Spanish proceedings was to establish the chain of command that Morales was operating under with his 'American friends.' #Assange

Summers argued that even if Morales knew the identity of the two witnesses, if harm came to them, it would be obvious where the harm came from. Publication of their names removes that protection #Assange

Judge Baraister ruled that disclosing the names of the Spanish witness would undermine the Spanish court and she granted anonymity. #Assange

Lewis for the prosecution said the position of the prosecution on the UC Global witness was set out in evidence of US prosecutor Gordon Kromberg: there is a Chinese wall between prosecution and any other agencies that have access to information #Assange

Lewis: We will be submitting the [evidence from the anonymous witnesses] is wholly irrelevant to the trial given the Chinese wall. Lewis said he therefore had no instructions on the matter. #Assange

You can read about the Spanish case here:
computerweekly.com/news/252486923…