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."

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