Assange's possible extradition from the UK into the US may have grave consequences for journalists. This is the opinion of the Human Rights Watch advocates. They note that prosecuting the WikiLeaks' founder endangers the methods of operation of any news agency. The US is ignoring this statement while reacting in a positive way to Assange's arrest.
Our staff reporter in the US Alexander Khristenko has more on the topic.
American politicians don't hide the fact that the news of Assange's arrest pleases them. They seem to think that is extradition to the US is an already decided matter.
Joe Manchin, Senator (D-WV): "I'm glad we finally got him. I hope we have him back in the US as soon as possible".
John Neely Kennedy, Senator (R-LA): "I'm happy to see him finally arrested. Our judicial system works well, so he'll have a chance to defend himself".
But what are his chances of winning? 8 years ago, when WikiLeaks was in its prime, there was still room for discussion in the US that the website is operating as a journalistic organization that has the constitutional right to expose any information. Including dirty American secrets. Nowadays, both the Dept. of Justice and the political circles have settled on their opinion of Assange.
Lindsey Graham, Senator (R-SC): "If you journalists do the same as him, I hope you go to jail".
Several times during his presidential campaign, Donald Trump has mentioned WikiLeaks. He even proclaimed his love for the organization, since the resource has published many scandalous pieces on Hillary Clinton. Namely, the fact that the Democratic Party was flat-out playing favorites with her.
Donald Trump: "WikiLeaks, I love WikiLeaks! I have an extract here. Crooked Hillary, oh, people, she's as crooked as a 3-dollar bill! You won the Democratic nomination, but I don't think it was fair. Take WikiLeaks and see what they're posting".
Right now, the US President is explicitly distancing himself from the situation. I know nothing about WikiLeaks, it's none of my business.
Donald Trump: "I know that the Attorney General is probably gonna handle it. It's none of my concern".
Maybe because the criminal case against the WikiLeaks founder is quickly developing into a weapon for internal political struggle in the US. The Democrats are already mentioning the Russian trail.
7 years of confinement and, due to a shocking turn of events, Julian Assange's arrest took place exactly when the Mueller investigation has come to a complete halt. Seems like the case was closed, but here's a new chance to talk about the meddling in that election.
Alexander Khristenko, Nikolay Koskin, Vesti, Washington, D.C., USA.
