WikiLeaks: Should Julian Assange be Prosecuted?

Yesterday we looked at the case of Julian Assange and the website WikiLeaks, responsible for releasing thousands of classified US State Department documents. Because of his actions, there are calls to have him prosecuted for threatening national security. Others have defended his right to publish information under the First Amendment's freedom of the press.

First, read what three legal experts believe about the WikiLeaks case and a potential indictment under the 1917 Espionage Act.

U.S. vs. WikiLeaks: Can Assange Be Prosecuted?


Next, read these two brief editorials about whether Julian Assange should be prosecuted.

Prosecute Assange Under the Espionage Act

WikiLeaks Prosecution Would Set Bad Precedent

What do you think? Is this a violation of the Espionage Act? Should Assange be prosecuted? Is he protected under the 1st Amendment? Would this be different if it was a newspaper like the NY Times or Washington Post revealing this information?