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@NilsMelzer @K_interarma @_CarrieComer @SomersetBean @atlas_women @UN_SPExperts In the spirit of open discussion b/w people committed to combating abuse, I feel I must add my 2 cents. I’ve worked with survivors of rape & sexual assault, in childhood & adulthood, both male & female, in various capacities since 1994. I too feel strongly about the subject.
@NilsMelzer @K_interarma @_CarrieComer @SomersetBean @atlas_women @UN_SPExperts Against that background, I have also written a series on the psychology of the smear campaign against Julian Assange, including the Swedish investigation. In the process, a few things have become clear.
@NilsMelzer @K_interarma @_CarrieComer @SomersetBean @atlas_women @UN_SPExperts 1)The investigation itself was an abuse – of power, of legal process and the strong emotions surrounding rape and sexual assault. It was highly irregular from start to finish, violated due process, and was driven by decisions and claims of the authorities, not the women involved.
@NilsMelzer @K_interarma @_CarrieComer @SomersetBean @atlas_women @UN_SPExperts 2)See Naomi Wolf on the subject here. markcrispinmiller.com/2011/02/eight-… And representatives of Women Against Rape on the subject here theguardian.com/commentisfree/…
@NilsMelzer @K_interarma @_CarrieComer @SomersetBean @atlas_women @UN_SPExperts 3)Politically exploiting the concept of rape & sexual assault in this way, incl. bandying words like ‘rape’ around in the media in a misleading fashion, degrades the credibility of rape charges, & therefore harms survivors of rape & sexual assault, who need to be taken seriously
@NilsMelzer @K_interarma @_CarrieComer @SomersetBean @atlas_women @UN_SPExperts 4) Any “chilling effect” can be traced to the gross misrepresentation of the Swedish investigation in the media, not Nils Melzer’s accurate, factual account.
@NilsMelzer @K_interarma @_CarrieComer @SomersetBean @atlas_women @UN_SPExperts 5) Exploiting the evidence-free charge of “rape” to smear Julian Assange also distracted from the crimes of aggressive war(s) that he exposed. In war, women are raped en masse with impunity. Turning our backs on these women, for a politicised investigation, is further travesty
@NilsMelzer @K_interarma @_CarrieComer @SomersetBean @atlas_women @UN_SPExperts 6)In other words, upon researching the issue thoroughly it becomes clear that the Swedish investigation served not to protect women, but as a vehicle for (a) US extradition (unsuccessfully) and (b) propaganda (more successfully).
@NilsMelzer @K_interarma @_CarrieComer @SomersetBean @atlas_women @UN_SPExperts 7) Nils Melzer has done a service to all who take rape seriously for so clearly summarising the manufactured & baseless nature of the Swedish investigation.
@NilsMelzer @K_interarma @_CarrieComer @SomersetBean @atlas_women @UN_SPExperts 8) Were he to backtrack on this issue in response to allegations such as those here, he would reinforce the exploitation of “rape” for political purposes, propaganda and smear. Which further harms, delegitimises, and disempowers survivors of rape and sexual assault.
