Assange received the fruits of Russian hacking. The release benefitted Trump significantly. Assange used zero judgment except the hope of embarrassing the US regardless of consequences. It is quite possible that people helping the US were killed as is often the case when sensitive information gets leaked. For the million Americans that died because of Trump's incompetence, Assange more than deserves his day in court. One can call it journalism and free speech, or it can be shouting fire in a crowded theater. Actions should have consequences.

well that was a better written than i have seen from the guardian in a well

i can't believe the guardian would write something good about him left wing rag. but i will read it!

I think justice delayed is justice denied eg been too long, let him go. He is a journalist who exposed government crimes, classified only to hide the crime. But his big crime was exposing the DNC rigged their primaries to ensure Hillary Clinton was nominated at the expense of the overwhelming popular candidate, Bernie Sanders.
I'm Australian as Assange is. Our country entered a defense pact with the UK and USA (AUKUS) done in secret during covid by 3 psycho leaders; Trump, Boris Johnson and Scott Morrison..........all vain, self absorbed psycho's. This pact allows the US and UK to store military shit here............and Australia gets a couple of subs in 2040. What a great deal for Australia aye? Give up our sovereignty eg allow foreign militaries to set up permanent bases on our land, for a couple of subs decades away.

The reason I said that is Australia is of strategic importance to both the UK and US. The UK who lock up Assange and the US who wish to lock him up forever. Trying to charge a foreigner with treason???????

So Australia could release Assange yesterday ie Free Assange or no more AUKUS; Can't have both. So very, very angry at my piss weak politicians who are totally beholden to US directives. Our politicians have never, excepting Whitlam, sought our own destiny as a nation, instead continuing a colonial mindset to government eg the country is to be exploited, raped and pillaged, for imperial masters.

As far as freedom of the press goes, extremely important Jullian is freed as if this precedent is set, there will be no more free press.

I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, documents are classified for a reason, But there are events or circumstances that the public should know in order to keep our political leaders in line. A journalist may not be aware, or understand all of the implications in releasing a given document or set of documents. If the documents Assange released were classified, then he knew the risk and made that decision.

When Daniel Berrigan released the Pentagon papers, it contributed to the public knowledge and the momentum to end the Vietnam War. These documents may or may not be on that scale. I do not know. So, if tramp released any of the documents he had in his possession, should he be given the empathy which Assange has received. I am mainly on the side that classified documents should remain so, and anyone who trespasses on those documents is aware of the risks they take, and the consequences.