Will the U.S. Government Prosecute WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange?

WikiLeaks has just released thousands of secret documents – yet again – that threaten the security of the United States.  The question of the extent of the damage is not yet known, because WikiLeaks is releasing the secret documents in increments that will cover several months. 

WikiLeaks’ founder, 39 year-old Julian Paul Assange, has a rather, shall we say, a colorful background.  He was reportedly born in Australia.  He reportedly studied math and physics, but he apparently decided to become a hacker, instead.  He is an open advocate of transparency of government communications.  Sound familiar?  Apparently Assange and George Soros have something in common.

The first major dissemination of leaked material was documents pertaining to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.   Left leaning organizations were quick to bestow “journalism awards” on Assange.

Assange is a shadowy figure, who is constantly on the move, appearing at a moment’s notice to make a speech or to accept yet another reward.

Assange was a member of a hacker group named “International Subversives,” and some of his activities earned him a visit to his Melbourne home from the Australian Federal Police.  In 1992, Assange pleaded guilty to 24 counts of hacking.  He was fined AU$2100.

His champions include Daniel Ellsberg, who is best known for leaking the Pentagon Papers.  Ellsberg said, “He [Assange] is serving our [American] democracy and serving our rule of law precisely by challenging the secrecy regulations, which are not laws in most cases, in this country…Any serious risk to that national security is extremely low. There may be 260,000 diplomatic cables. It's very hard to think of any of that which could be plausibly described as a national security risk. Will it embarrass diplomatic relationships? Sure, very likely--all to the good of our democratic functioning."

This year, Swedish authorities charged Assange with rape.  Assange claimed it was a trumped up charge, but Assange didn’t stick around long enough to have the matter decided.  He currently is thought to be seeking political asylum in Switzerland. 

It appears Assange may be one of those well-intentioned fools who seek to make the world a better place by revealing confidential communiqués.  However, Assange is failing to take into consideration the fact that many countries, including Russia, China, and others who would not hesitate to order a hit on the king of transparency.  The big question is what will Attorney General Eric Holder do about Mr. Assange’s latest caper?

And, could this be an elaborate remake of the old British intelligence's "planted briefcase" trick?

 

Comments

[Jack]

I'm not optimistic that Holder will go for a prosecution, but on the other hand he will be getting a lot of pressure from all sides to do something. I'm not familiar with the planted briefcase trick.

[Rook]

I have no doubt that whatever happens, it will NOT be the decision of Holder! There are many other options, all of which are superior to a civilian trial: CIA snatch and rendition; Seal Team snatch and drown like a rat; or Hillary just may have her personal hit team handle Assange like Vince Foster; or contract it out to the mafia. Like Larry says, "GIT 'R DONE!" or Nike's "JUST DO IT!"

[Ernie]

My first day of training as a member of Naval Intelligence, the instructor asked if anyone knew the meaning of the word "compromise". Well, it ain't "coming to an agreement". It's divulging classified information to the public. After explaining the word's meaning, he advised us that to compromise classified material didn't result in a slap on the wrist. It meant a quick trip to Leavenworth. In time of war it could mean even worse. The CIA should find this guy Assange and end his treasonous career. Since we're in a state of war...well, you figure it out. And all who abetted this criminal should be arrested and tried for treason. That includes the New York Slimes. If the CIA's busy, give the job to 2 Italians from Jersey. They'd be back home in 24 hours. Job done.