The Facts
In a long-running legal battle with the US, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange moved closer to being extradited on Wed. after a British judge formally referred his case to the UK Sec. of State, Priti Patel.
Assange has been imprisoned at the maximum-security Belmarsh prison in London for 3 years. He's wanted in the US for 17 alleged violations of the Espionage Act and a further allegation of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Assange is no journalist. As demonstrated by his publishing of hacked Democratic Party emails in 2016, his actions are closer to that of a spy than a publisher. His publishing of classified military materials put the lives of thousands US soldiers at risk. He should be extradited and face justice for his actions.
Establishment-critical narrative
In publishing files from Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantánamo Bay, Assange revealed numerous instances of war crimes and human rights violations perpetrated by the US. In seeking his prosecution, the country is trying to criminalize the truthful publication of information rather than go after the perpetrators of real human rights violations. This is a grave threat to press freedoms and ought to be opposed at all costs.