Is this the normal process of justice at play? There are as yet no answers but evidence is growing that, in what could prove to be a landmark case, Assange could be put on trial for leaking US diplomatic cables to the world. He says he fears attempts to extradite him to the US, with such a move apparently being planned in Washington. There, Assange could be tried under the US Espionage Act. An effort is said to be underway to detect those who leaked the documents to his organisation. They too face prosecution in a trial which, if it ever takes place, would open up new legal chapters. Persons accused of leaking information have only rarely before, in the US, faced action in courts.
Even in nations that pride themselves on democracy, it appears officials are willing to tolerate only a limited free flow of information. National security is being cited as a means to deny citizens access to information. It is this principle which is under dispute. The possibility that Assange has become a hunted man because he dared to break the rules and, metaphorically speaking, hung dirty US clothing up for the world to see, is very real. The leaked cables have given us an insight into how things work out in the corridors of power. More information continues to surface. Everything possible must be done to ensure this process can go on without hindrance.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 19th, 2010.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ