The state has the responsibility to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 virus, which is made more difficult when case numbers increase. The relief plaintiff requests has the potential to increase case numbers significantly.Representing Colorado televangelist Andrew Wommack, Liberty Counsel has argued the governor's health orders are unconstitutional and discriminatory against religious groups, observing that authorities have allowed secular activities, such as "mass gatherings of protesters throughout the state," to proceed "with no social distancing or other health precautions."
Maureen Baird, former warden of the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, testified she oversaw SAMs [special administrative measures]detainees in the 10 South Unit, who were confined in conditions of solitary confinement during pretrial.
Baird was "surprised" the U.S. government has not said they do not have plans to apply for SAMs in Assange's case. Instead, they have left the door open, despite it being "really unusual to even make that a proposal."
Edward Fitzgerald, one of Assange's attorneys, asked Baird about the procedure for determining whether Assange is placed under SAMs. She said the attorney general would consult with the intelligence services. The CIA, as well as the FBI and Customs and Border Protection, would provide input, and what an agency thought about Assange would be an "important factor."
According to the CIA, WikiLeaks is a "non-state hostile intelligence service." Former CIA director Mike Pompeo described Assange as someone who has "attracted a devoted following among some of [America's] most determined enemies."
Oddly, every time a defense witness maintains Assange would be placed under SAMs and in solitary confinement because the U.S. government would want to restrict his communications with the outside world, the prosecution recoils. Prosecutor Clair Dobbin even questioned Baird's assertion that the U.S. Attorney's Office, after consulting intelligence officials, would view Assange as a threat to U.S. national security.
As Fitzgerald wrapped up his questions, he noted at Belmarsh prison Assange is permitted to associate with prisoners. He may make regular phone calls. He has had access to sessions with a psychiatrist.
Attorney Lindsay Lewis told the court this would change for Assange if he was extradited and confined post-trial at ADX Florence under SAMs. He would not receive "anywhere near the same care or accommodations as he had in the U.K."
The equipment appeared to be taken this week, sources said. Officials immediately began checking to make sure none of the voting machines had been compromised while also working to contain the fallout for fear of how President Donald Trump and his allies might use the news to cast doubt on the integrity of the city's elections. [...]
Many details surrounding the incident remained unclear Wednesday afternoon including exactly how the equipment was taken, whether there are any suspects, and details on how the missing technology might be used. Officials said there are multiple levels of security to prevent the equipment from being used maliciously, and a police investigation is ongoing.
Comment: Poland's new government appears to be listening to its constituents: