Reform leader hits out at Galloway over rape remark outrage

Salma Yaqoob described Mr Galloway’s comments, made in a video podcast, as “deeply disappointing and wrong”.

In a posting on her own website, she said the “political issues” surrounding Mr Assange’s case should not be used to diminish the seriousness of the accusations against him, adding: “Rape occurs when a woman has not consented to sex. George Galloway’s comments on what constitutes rape are deeply disappointing and wrong.”

Her remarks came as Mr Galloway issued a statement in response to criticism he has faced after appearing to suggest giving consent once for sexual intercourse meant consent may, in some circumstances, be taken as granted for further acts.

He said: “No never means yes and non-consensual sex is rape. There’s no doubt about it and that has always been my position. But if my remarks on the podcast need clarification I am happy to do that.”

He said he did not believe charges would be brought in the UK on such evidence, and added: “What occurred is not rape as most people understand it.”

Speaking from Indonesia, he reiterated his belief the case against Assange is politically motivated. “Julian Assange has said repeatedly that he would return to Sweden for questioning and to contest any charges that might result if Britain and Sweden would provide guarantees that he would not be extradited to the United States, where he could face 100 years in solitary confinement over his part in WikiLeaks, like the punishment now awaiting Bradley Manning. What is preventing the two governments doing this? I think we know.”