How can Julian Assange run for the Senate

[jean2579]

Julian Assange, according to the SMH, has announced that he will run for a Senate position. Can he do this while still resident in the UK? If he has to return to Australia to do so, how can he leave the foreign embassy he is in?  Does anyone know?

[jean2579]

Sorry I don't know how to post a link, the story is in todays online paper.

[katydidthat]

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/julian-assange-to-run-for-senate-20130130-2dl92.html

[kengillard]

I think it's probably not possible for him to even start the process, because of the cases ....extradition process etc.

[katydidthat]

Section 44 – Disqualification

Any person who-

(i.) Is under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience, or adherence to a foreign power, or is a subject or a citizen or entitled to the rights & privileges of a subject or citizen of a foreign power: or

(ii.) Is attained of treason, or has been convicted and is under sentence, or subject to be sentenced, for any offence punishable under the law of the Commonwealth or of a State by imprisonment for one year or longer: or

(iii.) Is an undischarged bankrupt or insolvent: or

(iv.) Holds any office of profit under the Crown, or any pension payable during the pleasure of the Crown out of any of the revenues of the Commonwealth: or

(v.) Has any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any agreement with the Public Service of the Commonwealth otherwise than as a member and in common with the other members of an incorporated company consisting of more than twenty-five persons:

shall be incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator or a member of the House of Representatives.

http://australianpolitics.com/constitution-aus/text/chapter-1-part-4-both-houses-of-parliament

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm ... 

[**meep**]

Julian Assange, according to the SMH, has announced that he will run for a Senate position. Can he do this while still resident in the UK? If he has to return to Australia to do so, how can he leave the foreign embassy he is in?  Does anyone know?

Assange's status has caused many to question the viability of a Senate bid. However, Wikileaks claims that if Assange wins a seat, he would have a two-month window to actually set foot inside the building before the rest of the Senate could call a vote to replace him with another member of the Wikileaks Party.

http://mashable.com/2013/01/30/julian-assange-senate/

Aust constitution states that only if Assange unable to enter Senate for >2 months could Senate vote to replace with member from same party

https://twitter.com/wikileaks/statuses/296555254034612224

[icyfroth]

wasn't there something about him being able to use a proxy to sit in the senate for him? I can't find the article I was reading this morning about it.

[katydidthat]

I found this article about the assault charges:

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/world/julian-assange-hopeful-a-photo-could-help-clear-him-of-sexual-assault-allegations/story-fnd12peo-1226458585105

And then this one:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/dec/17/julian-assange-sweden

I mention this because while it's off topic, I certainly don't want a rapist sitting in the Senate.  

Proxy article:  http://www.mintpress.net/assange-announces-run-for-australian-senate-formation-of-wikileaks-political-party/

[icyfroth]

alleged sex crimes

I certainly don't want a rapist sitting in the Senate.  

Proxy article:  http://www.mintpress.net/assange-announces-run-for-australian-senate-formation-of-wikileaks-political-party/

from the article via your link "alleged sex crimes" - not quite a rapist.

[katydidthat]

I should have said a bit more, Icy.  Sometimes I ramble on too long and sometimes I don't say enough :^O

What I maybe should have said:

I am posting these links which provide more information on the sexual assault charges.  From the articles there certainly seems to be a lot more to the story than we generally hear.  I wanted to check the information out myself as I certainly don't want a rapist in the Senate.  These articles indicate that there is a certain amount of doubt over the sexual assault charges.  Having said that, the police in Sweden and police and courts in Britain seem to be prosecuting his case rather vigorously.  It would be nice to have a resolution to the charges before he stands for the Senate.  

If you read the links I would be interested in other opinions.  

I have seen too many abused women to be willing to be convinced by mere articles in the media, although, as I said above, there is certainly doubt.  

Better?