It took only one year from when Julian Assange founded WikiLeaks in 2006 to amass over 1.2 million documents in its database, ultimately leading to his indictment in 2010 for allegedly violating the Espionage Act. Said documents published on WikiLeaks contained confidential military and diplomatic information that proved influential in election opinion as well as the Iraq and Afghan war. This case has raised discerning First Amendment right debates and protests around the globe.
After several years of fighting prosecution from Sweden for sexual assault allegations while in the U.K. as well as extradition to the United States, Assange was granted refuge and asylum by Ecuador and began residency in the Embassy of Ecuador in London in 2012. In 2019, Assange’s asylum was revoked and police escorted him to prison where he was to serve 50 weeks for breaching the Bail Act. Assange is still in London’s HM prison, Belmarsh, as the United States continues to contest extradition in British court for Espionage.
In a surprising turn of events, Italy has announced that it will bestow honorary citizenship upon this long-standing controversial figure, Julian Assange. This decision has ignited a firestorm of debate, drawing both support and criticism from around the world. One can only speculate, but this aggressive statement could be in recognition of Assange’s work in exposing corruption and promoting transparency worldwide. WikiLeaks has played a significant role in uncovering numerous global issues. Supporters of Assange’s honorary citizenship argue that it sends a powerful message about the importance of freedom of the press and the protection of whistleblowers. They consider Assange a champion of transparency and an advocate for holding governments and institutions accountable. Granting him citizenship is considered an act of solidarity for the principles he represents.
However, not everyone is convinced that Assange’s actions were for the greater good. Several individuals and governments worldwide are sensitive to the fact that the release of classified information could lead to national security concerns. Some are worried that granting honorary citizenship condones his actions and sets an unwanted precedent for other hackers.
To say this situation is complicated is putting it mildly. It is unclear how Assange’s continued battle to avoid extradition with to the United States to face Espionage charges will be affected by Italian citizenship status, or whether it could cause unwanted diplomatic issues.
The decision to grant citizenship to Julian Assange in Italy is a contentious decision. The issues of freedom of information, freedom of speech, transparency and the role of whistleblowers in society are necessary topics of conversation and thought. As this scenario unravels, it is pertinent that global reactions are observed and evaluated as well and the results that may follow.
Works Cited:
- Julian Assange to be made honorary citizen of Rome [Rueters]
- Rome votes to give Julian Assange honorary citizenship [The Local]
- Images [Getty Images, Shutterstock, Truthout]
