US Faces Obstacles to Prosecution of WikiLeaks Founder, Now in UK Custody
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange turned himself in to British police on Tuesday as U.S. officials confirmed a criminal investigation into his website’s release of documents.
Assange, who is an Australian citizen, plans to fight extradition to Sweden, where he stands accused of sexual assault, according to the Washington Post and the New York Times. Assange denies the charges.
Meanwhile the United States is considering charges under the Espionage Act for Assange’s release of sensitive government documents, the Times says. But prosecutors have never won a conviction under the law against a person who receives leaked documents. Some lawmakers have suggested a prosecution for receipt of stolen property, but experts saw difficulties with that approach, according to the newspaper.
Assange has threatened to retaliate if he is charged or killed by releasing thousands of damaging documents. On Monday, his website released a list of dams, bridges, mines, and weapons and vaccine companies that are “critically important” to the United States. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley called the release “really irresponsible” and said the sites are tantamount to an al-Qaida targeting list.
Prior coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “WikiLeaks Cites New Woes for Site & Founder as Officials Warn US Workers & Students to Stay Away”
