Back at London's Central Criminal Court for day 7 of evidence in the Julian #Assange extradition case,
Proceedings commence
First witness is to be New Zealand journalist Nicky Hager.
Hager tells the court he was a user of WikiLeaks data in his work as an investigative journalist. #Assange
Hager says journalist's covering the wars need confidential sources, "we need classified information to inform the public."
Hager says that the WikiLeaks information allowed him to write about the "multi-layered nature," of the Afghan war #Assange
Hager says the war logs leaked by Wikileaks were "the most important material I have ever used in my life."
Hager says the impact of "collateral murder video," was similar to the impact of the video of the death of George Floyd, "it galvanised the world." And led to real changes in the policies of the US military #Assange
Hagar says that when he worked with Wikileaks he was amazed to see the level of care they were taking to redact information that might harm people, describes seeing: "People working in silence for hours and hours," #Assange
Hager on #Assange "Thoughtful, humourous and energetic, very different from the portrait painted in the media of this difficult man, he has dedicated himself to changing the world."
John Lewis QC rises to cross-examine Mr Hagar.
Lewis asks the witness if he understands "the essence of the offence Mr Assange has been charged with."
He replies "It seems to be a mish mash of charges." #Assange
Lewis, "Mr Assange has not been charged with publishing any of the documents you relied on for your work."
Lewis to Hagar, "Have you ever conspired with someone to hack into a government computer,"
He replies it depends on what you mean.
Hager says journalists do not just sit passively and wait for information, "we talk to our sources, we seek out out sources, these are not just anonymous people we have to protect them."
Hagar says "however," Lewis says "you've answered the question, now I ask the next question."
Lewis reads out a Guardian article from 2011 condemning wikileaks for releasing unredacted US government cables.
Hagar said that information had already come out in other places.
Lewis quotes David Leigh's (A Guardian journalist) book Hager says "There was bitter animosity between David Leigh and Assange at the time, so I would take anything he said with a pinch of salt."
Lewis showing the witness the report of the enquiry into allegations Hagar made about the conduct of the New Zealand SAS in Afghanistan "Isn't it true your allegations were rejected?" he asks
"That's hilarious" he replies, adding that this refers only to a "minor footnote"
Hagar "We didn't get everything right, it was a difficult investigation, but we got most of it right."
Hagar asked if he was asked to add the Iraqi rules of engagement section of his witness statement by the defence.
He replies yes, but adds "I was happy to do so."
Mr Lewis thanks the witness and sits down, the cross examination ends.
Hagar says that when he worked with Wikileaks they were diligent about making sure no-one could come to harm by their publications, adding "I don't believe that Julian Assange and others suddenly changed their minds, I think information got out when it shouldn't."
On re-examination Hagar says that given the animosity between David Leigh and Assange, "If I was writing a book [on wikileaks] I wouldn't use what he said as a source.
Why did the Sun/News of the world hack William and Harry so much?
A thread.
Royal news and gossip was a staple of their output, but their problem was that, in 2006/2010 the younger members of the family, who the public was most interested wouldn't cooperate, as they blamed the press for Diana's death
Their Royal reporters were also mostly middle aged men in suits, they wouldn't exactly blend in at the London nightspots the young set hung out at
Counsel now going over emails sent to the Mail on Sunday to Harry's solicitors asking if they wanted to "comment or guide," them on their planned article.
Counsel, Harry had only made the offer to pay when the judicial review was already in progress.
Says "That's the basis of what the criticism [in the article] was about
Back at court (by video link) for a motions hearing in the case of Prince Harry v Associated Newspapers.
Not sure what I'll be able to report, but will let you all know what I can.