Is Assange and WikiLeaks Working with Russia?

Many have speculated whether Julian Assange and WikiLeaks are working in collaboration with Russian intelligence. The basis for this hypothesis often stems from the public disclosure of classified information by both parties, which can be seen as potentially beneficial to a foreign power's interests. However, it is more accurate to consider them as whistleblowers rather than passive facilitators for intelligence agencies.

Assange and WikiLeaks: Not Informers for Russia

Assange and WikiLeaks have published numerous classified documents from various countries, not just the United States. Their actions have been driven by the belief in the importance of transparency and the exposure of governmental wrongdoings. Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, lived in the Ecuadorian embassy in London from 2012 until 2019, to avoid extradition to the U.S., where he was wanted on charges related to the publication of classified information. He has never been publicly associated with Russian intelligence in an operational capacity.

Secretive Russian Intelligence and Open Action

Russia does indeed have its own network of intelligence agents, but they operate in a more covert manner. Unlike Assange and Snowden, they do not disclose their activities in such an open fashion. Therefore, it is highly improbable that Russian intelligence would engage in such overt behavior. That said, Russian intelligence could have initiated contact with both Assange and Snowden, but the likelihood of this being with Assange, who was publicly aligned with WikiLeaks, is extremely low.

Edward Snowden: A Potential Contact Point

Evidence points more strongly to Edward Snowden as a possible individual Russian intelligence might have sought to influence. Snowden is a former contractor for the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and revealed numerous documents about extensive global surveillance programs. Following these disclosures, Snowden fled to Russia, where he was granted temporary asylum, and later permanent residency. Despite his residence in Russia, Snowden maintains that he does not work for the Russian government. However, it is known that Russian intelligence interrogated Snowden thoroughly.

Justice and Accountability

Assange's actions are currently under judicial scrutiny to determine if his disclosures were in the public interest or were intended to harm the state. The court's role is to assess the motivations behind his actions and to determine whether the disclosures are in the best interests of the people.

Contrastingly, media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and his organizations have been criticized for lacking principled transparency. While Murdochs prioritize profit and often use media to shield their moral inadequacies, Assange, despite his flaws, was driven more by a noble cause of transparency.

Assange and WikiLeaks have faced numerous legal challenges. The court will play a crucial role in determining whether Assange has any basis for spiritual innocence or if he should be held accountable for his actions.

While the speculation about Russian intelligence and Assange or Snowden continues, the courts remain the ultimate arbiters of their actions and their intentions. The debate over their intentions is pivotal to the understanding of their roles and the implications of their actions.