Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Julian Assange and the (ab)use of 'rape'

By Samantha Stevenson - posted Monday, 27 August 2012


If the allegations are false, Assange wouldn't be the first whistleblower to be falsely accused of a crime, nor would it be the first time women's bodies were used to make political points. Naomi Klein has claimed that 'rape is being used in the Assange prosecution in the same way women's freedom was used to invade Afghanistan'. Sometimes 'saving women' is an emotive political tactic, and a dishonest one. Falsely using the symbolism of the most violent of crimes against women's bodies as a way to shutdown Wikileaks would obviously be abhorrent, and would trivialize the real act of rape itself.

But if the allegations are true, why isn't rape seen as being a significant enough event for it to trump all the other political distractions? Why couldn't the Swedish prosecutors question him in the U.K, to determine well before now whether charges would be laid and to ensure a timely outcome of those charges for the alleged victims? Why can't Sweden place the emphasis purely on the allegations of sexual assault by categorically ruling out the possibility of Assange being sent to the U.S, so he can-as he has indicated he would do-face the allegations there?

Surely allegations of rape are serious enough to take centre stage and be legitimately investigated in their own right. But for as long as Sweden leaves open the possibility of U.S. extradition, it's as if the rape charges can only be considered while there remains--lurking in the shadows--the possibility of more serious criminal charges. Rape, then, becomes relegated: it's seen only as potential bait to catch what is being established as a much bigger, and seemingly more significant, fish.

Advertisement

Assange's accusers deserve their right to seek justice just as much as Assange deserves his right to clear his name. But the act of rape deserves to be understood as a significant criminal act in its own right and to be duly investigated in a way that reflects the seriousness of the allegation.

For any hope of that to occur in this case, Sweden must guarantee Assange will not be extradited to the U.S.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

14 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Samantha Stevenson teaches in cultural studies at Curtin University.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Samantha Stevenson

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 14 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy