> I'm not familiar with UK law, nor am I well informed about the penalties for jumping bail there. Was Assange held on charges related to that?
Yes, he was tried and convicted, and has now served the 50 week jail sentence (he was convicted 1 May 2019 after 6 years 10 months on the run).
> It's also not entirely clear to me what responsibilities the UK government has with respect to its extradition treaty with the US. Is the UK treaty-bound to hold Assange based on the US indictment?
Yes. They could be released on bail, but if you are a convicted criminal whos crime was jumping bail the last time you were released on bail, you are going to have a tough time convincing a judge that 'its different this time'.
Bail in extradition cases is covered by the Bail Act 1976. Where the requested person is wanted to face an accusation, the starting point is that there is a ‘presumption in favour’ of bail.
> Assuming that your assertion is correct, the UK government has some explaining to do.
Yes, he was tried and convicted, and has now served the 50 week jail sentence (he was convicted 1 May 2019 after 6 years 10 months on the run).
> It's also not entirely clear to me what responsibilities the UK government has with respect to its extradition treaty with the US. Is the UK treaty-bound to hold Assange based on the US indictment?
Yes. They could be released on bail, but if you are a convicted criminal whos crime was jumping bail the last time you were released on bail, you are going to have a tough time convincing a judge that 'its different this time'.
Bail in extradition cases is covered by the Bail Act 1976. Where the requested person is wanted to face an accusation, the starting point is that there is a ‘presumption in favour’ of bail.
> Assuming that your assertion is correct, the UK government has some explaining to do.
No it doesnt.