Sexually Graphic Details Outed During Extradition Hearing

WikiLeaks founder's QC said Swedish woman's accusation of sexual assault described the 'missionary position'
The accusation of sexual assault made against Julian Assange by one of his two alleged Swedish victims describes "the missionary position", his lawyer said in court , as he denied such an attack took place.

Geoffrey Robertson QC told the extradition hearing, at Belmarsh magistrate's court in south London, that any resistance had been "unarticulated" on the part of Miss A, who has accused the WikiLeaks founder of ripping off her clothes, snapping a necklace, pinning her down and trying to force himself on her without wearing a condom.

"In so far as Mr Assange held her arms and there was a forceful spreading of her legs, there's no allegation that this was without her consent," he said.

"Sexual encounters have their ups and downs, their ebbs and flows. What may be unwanted one moment can with further empathy become desired. These complex human interactions are not criminal in this country."

The argument that Assange used the weight of his body to pin her down "describes what is usually termed the missionary position," he said.

Sweden is seeking Assange's extradition in relation to the allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual molestation by the two women. The second woman, Miss B, accuses Assange of having sex with her while she was sleeping, which amounts to an allegation of rape.

Assange denies all the allegations, and is fighting the extradition request. He has not been charged. The defence argues that the sexual behaviour would not amount to rape and sexual assault in English law, and that the European arrest warrant against him was invalid.

The parties will return to court on 24 February, when the district judge, Howard Riddle, will deliver his judgment.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/feb/11/julian-assange-missionary-position-wikileaks