Julian Assange Frets that USA Will Charge Him with Espionage

Julian Assange has been released from prison. He is a free man for now. However, he may be extradited to Sweden for charges of an alleged rape and molestation there. He is also now discussing a possible extradition to America to face charges of espionage.

A Warning of a Secret Grand Jury

The Telegraph reports that Assange has received a warning from one of his lawyers in the USA. Assange said: "We have heard from one of my US lawyers, yet to be confirmed, but a serious matter, that there may be a US indictment for espionage for me, coming from a secret US grand jury investigation."

He noted that the extradition to Sweden would make it possible for the US to then also extradite him. Has Sweden made the alleged rape charges as a political ploy to hand Assange over to the USA? It is the state making the charges against Assange, not the women he allegedly raped.

Julian Assange is mandated to stay in England until the extradition hearing with Sweden, which will occur sometime next year, notes the Telegraph. He will continue his work with WikiLeaks from England.Will he continue to inflame the American government with release of new diplomatic cables?

How will America react if it is announced that Assange will face extradition? Is our country conducting a secret grand jury on this issue? If so, there may be a ruckus over that. Assange claims that his WikiLeaks engages in journalism. Will President Obama take a different stance on that matter?

Will America Try to Extradite Julian Assange?

If a grand jury is investigating Assange, the public would not be informed until later when the final decisions are made and when the USA is ready to arrest or extradite Mr. Assange, notes the CS Monitor. The Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, has announced that the FBI is looking into the WikiLeaks' release of classified documents. This may be a sign that charges will soon be filed against Assange.

If Julian Assange is charged with espionage, how will our nation react? He has brought much truth to light about events of the wars and also about the information US diplomats have obtained. Will the government clearly state that his acts are criminal? It is difficult to assess if Assange is a journalist or if he is guilty of a crime for releasing or perhaps even obtaining classified government information.

Julian Assange: Homeland Australia

The Prime Minister of Australia is not a fan of WikiLeaks. Thus, Assange is under pressure even in his home country. Julia Gillard, Australia's prime minister, told Al Jazeera that the behavior of WikiLeaks is "grossly irresponsible." She added "I know there are a number of people who are fans of WikiLeaks. Let me make it very very clear-I am not."

Will Freedom Last for Julian Assange?

Will Assange be able to maintain his freedom? He is currently under siege by the government of Sweden. Soon, America may be after him as well. Will this settle down, or will he be extradited to America and face much uncertainty about his future?

Sources:

The Telegraph

Al Jazeera

CS Monitor