Yes, it's a lame brain hack job, as Assange accurately characterized Harding in 2015. The case has large ramifications indeed. I also posted earlier today on the delayed court ruling of the suit filed against the government to unseal the charges, as the judge will allow more information to be presented. I closed by mentioning how important this case is for the future of leaks, leakers and whistleblowers (and those who get their info out), shedding light on the dirty darkness of our world:

The case of criminally charging Assange for leaking government documents is of great importance. Whistleblowers and leaks shows us the dark side of our society many wouldn't know about otherwise. If leaks become criminalize through a precedent set in a criminal case against Assange, it would lead to greater silencing of people trying to shed light on the ugly darkness. What kind of free society would be left going forward from there?

If Ecuador won't boot him out due to the fallout, then I think he can manage to tough it out, despite the harsh protocols being applied. If he wants to stay out of jail and a show-trial to be made an example of, he will have to comply.