The United States should end the criminal prosecution of Julian Assange, leading media outlets from the US and Europe who worked with the WikiLeaks founder said, showing concern for media freedom.
“This indictment sets a dangerous precedent and threatens to undermine the American First Amendment and freedom of the press,” said the editors and publishers of the Guardian, New York Times, Mondo, Der Spiegel and El Pais in an open letter in which they emphasize that “publishing is not a crime.”
Assange is wanted by US authorities on 18 counts, including espionage, in connection with WikiLeaks’ release of classified US military records and diplomatic cables. His supporters say he is an anti-establishment hero who has been victimized for exposing US crimes, including the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
