A UN expert today expressed concern that the possible extradition and imminent prosecution in the United States of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange could have serious implications for freedom of expression.

“Gathering, reporting and disseminating information, including national security information when it is in the public interest, is a legitimate exercise of journalism and should not be treated as a crime,” said Irene Khan, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression.

  • Comrade GitGud@lemmy.ml
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    4 months ago

    A UN expert today expressed concern that the possible extradition and imminent prosecution in the United States of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange could have serious implications for freedom of expression.

    USA: Yes that’s the point

  • andyburke@fedia.io
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    4 months ago

    My understanding is that he selectively released information. That makes him a propagandist, not a journalist.

      • andyburke@fedia.io
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        4 months ago

        When your selection is based on a party preference, it’s definitely not journalism.

        I was around during the initial leaks and I supported him then. When he chose to leak only one political party’s emails, I realized he wasn’t a journalist and my support stopped. To be clear he deserves a fair trial, and where he used actual standard journalism practices he should be afforded the protections of the 1st amendment.