Tag: Julian Assange

“The American public needed urgently to know what was being done routinely in their name, and there was no other way for them to learn it than by unauthorized disclosure.”

“I find that the mental condition of Mr. Assange is such that it would be oppressive to extradite him to the United States of America.”

U.S. prison system seen as a death threat...

While the decision is a “very significant victory” for Assange, the judge has largely sided with the U.S. prosecution.

The many mainstream journalists cheering on his extradition may come to regret in the future when the American government comes for them or their sources.

For the last decade, stories produced and amplified by the democratized media have put the power structure at risk.

On top of Assange’s individual case, the current health crisis is expanding the surveillance state in ways likely not dreamed of by authorities in most countries until this very moment.

It’s a slippery slope and in a world of so-called ‘fake news’ could have negative consequences for journalists and whistle-blowers trying to speak truth to power far into the future.

It’s unlikely that Greenwald, who at least has the benefit of widespread fame and international support, will be the last journalist to be targeted.

The United States is still seeking Assange’s extradition to the U.S., where he faces up to 175 years in prison on hacking charges and 17 counts of violating the World War I-era Espionage Act.