That's both true and just part of the whole truth.

While it may be legally required in the EU, it may also be required in the EEA (EU+3). Even then it is often applied in all of the European countries (EU/EEA/non-EU), it's easier for companies that way (see Facebook).

No, it also applies in the countries that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA). That's the EU and most of EFTA. We're a few small countries, but we're not members of the EU. The FTA means the same laws apply within the EEA (27+3).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Economic_Area

Hear, hear!

The Egyptian government has publically stated that they don't hold the US government or its people responsible. That's quite something! They directed their anger at the people who "abused" (sic.) freedom of speech.

They also said they would take measures against violent protests, and the Brotherhood seems to have directed their people to the mosques and peaceful protests. It obviously didn't stop others or wasn't the whole truth.

To quote the US administration; Egypt might not be our ally, but they're not our enemy either. It's good that two states can have an adult relationship. Especially in these times.

I don't think you see anything at all, it's quite plain that you have no legal background.

I personally know both Italian lawyers and police officers (Bologna). Checkmate.

I also seriously doubt you know the French or Italian legal systems. Thanks for 'playing', you failed miserably.

Freedom of expression is guaranteed by domestic law and international treaty in every European country. What "free speech" entails differs from country to country (see Germany and Nazi symbols).

The penalty in this French case did not include termination or suspension of his Internet access.

Other countries in Europe like Finland and Estonia, both EU members, have found Internet access to be a basic human right protected by law. Usually this idea spreads from one country to the next over time [within the European Union] and the domestic and/or supra-national courts (eqv. or similar to "federal").

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8548190.stm

Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights provides the right to freedom of expression, subject to certain restrictions that are "in accordance with law" and "necessary in a democratic society". This right includes the freedom to hold opinions, and to receive and impart information and ideas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_10_of_the_European_Convention_on_Human_Rights

By treaty and domestic law every country in Europe has the presumption of innocence.

Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) offers a definition of the presumption of innocence, in the sense of the right to a fair trial. The case law of the European Court of Human Rights indicates that an accused should not be declared guilty until a court has established his or her guilt, and that pre-trial detention should be the exception rather than the rule.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Convention_on_Human_Rights#Article_6_-_fair_trial

Is your comparison fair? I don't work with hardware, so I claim no expertise here, but a quick shopping list shows:

- $549 at NewEgg for one AMD Opteron 6262 HE Interlagos 1.6GHz 16-Core Server Processor
- 4 x $549 = $2196 for just the CPUs?
- £2500 (GBP) ~ $4047 (USD)
- $4047 - $2196 = $1851

Is it really that much cheaper or better for their purpose? They're not looking for power/$ ratios. Clearly you would have a few Dollars left over to buy the other required parts for your server.

Please keep Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in mind. Prices in the UK are not the same as in the US, simply using currency exchange rates does not give a meaningful comparison.

Wow, what an interesting opinion, is it based on facts and actual knowledge of law? Do you have a Scandinavian or other European law degree? I do.

The only source for claims that Sweden will extradite him is from Assange's own supporters. I have read their blogs filled with non-legal opinion pieces.

I'm sorry to say this, but it is quite evident that is your brain that is "fucked" up. I hope you find some actual arguments for your next reply.

Sweden has not indicated it will extradite him! What is your source for that claim?! His supporters claim this, but the UK is far more likely to do so.

Sweden and every other European country is obligated by human rights laws to refrain from extraditing to the US [or any other country] if there's even the possibility of the death penalty. The same applies if they cannot be guaranteed basic human rights as defined by the ECHR.

In several cases Scandinavian countries have refused to extradite, American or native citizens, to the US on grounds such as the horrible prison conditions in the US. You draw a very strange picture of Sweden, but do you actually know it? Having studied law in this region, and knowing the European Human Rights Convention acts as a guarantee in both Sweden and the UK I fail to see the validity of your point.

Have a look at some of the wonderful articles that rank above national European court systems. If the UK or Sweden wanted to extradite, Assange could have them overruled by the European Court of Human Rights:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Convention_on_Human_Rights#Article_6_-_fair_trial

What evidence do you have to support your rather strange claims about Scandinavian law? Your claims are not in line with books or scholars on the subject. What are your credentials?

As a Scandinavian lawyer I have to disagree with your frankly unfounded claims on the basis of our legal history. Our law is built on the foundations of both Roman (Code Civil) and German (BGB) law. If that's not solid and strong then nothing is! Most countries in the world have similar foundations - with the exception of the former British colonies and some Muslim countries (mixed).

In modern times our laws have absolutely been constantly maintained and expanded with new laws from both national, regional and European sources. You do realize all the Scandinavian countries are subject to both the Council of Europe and EU law (either directly or indirectly)? According to most ratings, reviews and analysis human rights are better protected in Scandinavia than in the UK or US.

You are either ignorant or lying when you claim that Sweden or any other Scandinavian country would extradite a person to the US more easily. The US has been denied their own citizens on the basis that even US prisons are not satisfactory in terms of human rights according to our courts! The threat of the death penalty means a whole lot more to civilized countries where it's already illegal. It's also illegal under our laws to extradite if there's even the slightest chance that he could receive capital punishment! I can refer you to countless cases and verdicts.

You really need to watch this video, it explains the difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain and England.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNu8XDBSn10

You make several good points, there are notable differences between our [many] systems.

While privacy is highly valued in Europe in general, regardless of EU membership or not, the US has a more "aggressive" justice system in my opinion. The incarceration rates seem to support my claim.

I expect(ed) a US lawyer/prosecutor to find something "applicable" to the situation with regards to misuse of private property.

However as you correctly stated it does not get to the core of the issue. I'm not at all sure the machine weren't re-imaged, that's why I mentioned it, I suggest that it could be that he simply visited several times.

I'm sorry, I only know my own European legal system in detail, however I believe that you are not legally entitled to use their property in such a manner simply because it is technically possible?

I imagine it would require Apple's explicit consent to collect information [using their property] for your private purposes legal or otherwise.

I've never been to an Apple Store but I imagine reading that they re-image their machines every day?

The stores are public, but the PCs are private property. He did step over that last line.