“These alleged actions disclosed our sensitive, classified information in a manner that made it available to every terrorist group, hostile foreign intelligence service and opposing military. Documents relating to these disclosures were even found in the Usama bin Laden compound. This release made our adversaries stronger and more knowledgeable and the United States less secure,” said Demers.
He also emphasized that Assange is not a journalist based on his conduct—“assisting with and conspiring with a security holder to acquire classified information” and “publishing the names of confidential human sources, exposing them to the gravest dangers,”
On the other hand, U.S. Attorney Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia, pointed out the government charged Assange for his “alleged complicity in illegal acts…” He was “not charged for passively obtaining and receiving classified information.”
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press raised concern about the latest charges against Assange.
