Two members of the US Congress have called on outgoing President Joe Biden to issue a presidential pardon to Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, and warned that they were concerned that the plea deal signed by Assange would set a precedent for for prosecuting journalists and whistleblowers on espionage charges.
According to British newspaper The Guardian, James McGovern, a progressive Democrat from Massachusetts, and Thomas Massie, a liberal Republican from Kentucky, wrote to Biden with a bipartisan request to pardon the WikiLeaks founder earlier in November.
Both urged Biden to send a clear message that the US government under his leadership will not or will not target journalists and media outlets for doing their jobs.
Assange was released in June 2024 after pleading guilty to breaching the US Espionage Act, in a move that allowed him to return to his native Australia and end an extraordinary 14-year legal saga in which he was accused of publishing hundreds of thousands . of leaked documents about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as cables, in 2010 and 2011.
In a letter dated November 1, McGovern and Massey expressed their gratitude for the resolution of the criminal case and the cancellation of the request for extradition to the United Kingdom, which ended Assange’s long detention and allowed him to be reunited with his family.
But they said they were “deeply concerned” that Assange would need to “plead guilty to criminal charges.” The letter said: “Simply put, there are long-standing and well-founded concerns about Section 793 of the Espionage Act, which makes it a crime to obtain or retain sensitive information.” or disclosed, used against journalists and news organizations carrying out their normal activities. Especially those covering national security matters.”
Both pointed out that this risk was the reason for the Obama administration’s decision not to prosecute Assange, and that his case was the first time the law had been brought against a publisher.
McGovern and Massie, who previously worked with other members of Congress to call for the charges to be dropped, urged Biden to pardon Assange, arguing that a pardon would remove the precedent set by the petition.
Assange’s brother, Gabriel Shipton, and his wife, Stella Assange, are in the Australian capital, Canberra, this week Shipton will return to Washington in January as part of a campaign to pardon Assange that is urging Biden to take action before he leaves office . The campaign’s petition said: “By pardoning Julian Assange, President Biden can not only right a grave injustice, but can also send a strong message that the protection of democracy and freedom of the press remains the essence of his presidency.”
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How does Julian Assange’s case reflect on the current state of press freedom in the United States?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Journalism Expert about the Call for Julian Assange’s Pardon
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special segment on whistleblowing and freedom of the press. Today, we’re discussing an important development concerning Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks. Recently, Congress members James McGovern and Thomas Massie sent a letter urging President Biden to pardon Assange. Joining us is Professor Emily Sanders, a media law expert. Thank you for being here, Professor Sanders.
Professor Emily Sanders (PES): Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for journalism and the protection of whistleblowers.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. McGovern and Massie expressed concern that Assange’s plea deal might set a dangerous precedent for prosecuting journalists. Can you elaborate on the significance of their statement?
PES: Absolutely. The concern here goes beyond Julian Assange himself. By prosecuting someone like him—who published classified information—the government risks criminalizing journalistic practices. The Espionage Act has never been applied in this context before. If Assange’s case proceeds as a precedent, it could put journalists and whistleblowers at substantial risk of criminal charges for doing what they are supposed to do: inform the public.
TNE: Right, and it was mentioned in the letter that the Obama administration chose not to pursue charges against Assange. Why do you think they made that decision and how does it relate to the current administration?
PES: The previous administration recognized the chilling effect prosecuting Assange would have on journalistic freedom. They understood that strong protections for the press are essential in a democracy. If President Biden’s administration follows a different path, it could signal a shift in how the U.S. government views press freedom, fundamentally altering the relationship between the state and the media.
TNE: In the letter, McGovern and Massie stressed the need for Biden to clarify that the government won’t target journalists for doing their jobs. What would a presidential pardon signal about the administration’s stance on press freedom?
PES: A pardon would send a powerful message—it would affirm that the government acknowledges the essential role journalists play in holding power accountable. It would also reinforce the idea that reporting on national security matters should not be treated as a criminal offense. It’s a call for the preservation of journalistic integrity and independence.
TNE: Furthermore, Assange’s case stretches across borders, notably impacting international perceptions of the U.S. commitment to press freedom. How do you think this reverberates globally?
PES: It certainly has international implications. If Assange is not afforded protections, it may embolden other countries with oppressive regimes to take similar actions against journalists. Assange’s case has already attracted global attention; a lack of action by the U.S. government might lead to a decline in international trust regarding America’s commitment to human rights and freedom of speech.
TNE: And given the complexities of this case, what could advocates for free speech and journalistic integrity do to support the movement for Assange’s pardon?
PES: It’s crucial for advocates to continue raising awareness about the broader implications of this case. Engaging in public discourse, utilizing social media campaigns, and collaborating with other human rights organizations can keep momentum alive. Education about the dangers of prosecuting journalists is vital. Engaging lawmakers through petitions and public demonstrations can also amplify their voices and push for necessary changes.
TNE: Thank you, Professor Sanders, for your insights. This is a pivotal moment; the outcome could reshape the landscape of journalism and whistleblowing rights in the U.S. and beyond.
PES: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to track this evolving story closely, as it undoubtedly affects rights we often take for granted.
TNE: Absolutely. And to our audience, stay tuned for more updates on this important issue. Thank you for joining us today.