Julian Assange speech to Cambridge University is 'insult to survivors of rape', say women's group "Yet again, the Cambridge Union Society is enabling the rebuilding of the public persona of an alleged rapist," she said. By inviting Assange, and Strauss-Kahn previously, the Cambridge Union Society are colluding in the horrific silence and shame around rape. She added that Mr Assange's invitation was "equally as insulting to survivors of rape within the student body and nationally" as that of Strauss-Kahn. "However, it is clearly the case that Assange will not be able to talk about anything legally affecting his case and will, most probably, turn any reference to the case into an attempt to talk about his own defence," she said. The idea that this event will serve to seriously challenge Assange is arrogant and untrue. Yet again the voices of rape survivors will be undermined by the union as they offer their privileged platform to Assange again in an attempt to boost their own publicity. A spokesman for the CUS said: "The union exists to provide a neutral forum for free speech, where members can explore ideas and pose challenging questions to some of the world's most prominent figures. Hosting a speaker does not imply endorsement or disapproval on the part of the society. We invite people to speak at the union regardless of their ideology or background. About 200 students protested outside the CUS during Strauss-Kahn's visit earlier this year.