Daily Archives: May 26, 2019

2019-05-26: News Headlines

Jessica Corbett (2019-05-25). 'This is about attacking journalism,' warn press freedom defenders as Trump DOJ hits Assange with new espionage charges. nationofchange.org "This is about retaliation for publishing evidence of U.S. war crimes and other crimes by the most powerful nation on Earth."

RT (2019-05-25). What Assange Indictment Means for Press Freedom. dissidentvoice.org Since the DOJ has indicted WikiLeaks founder and journalist Julian Assange with 17 more charges under the Espionage Act, many activists are worried about what this means for press freedoms. Former Professor of Journalism at Woodbury University Lyle Slack join In Question to discuss what this means.

Kurt Nimmo (2019-05-25). Julian Assange and the Crucifixion of Free Speech. globalresearch.ca It didn't take long for the computer intrusion case against Julian Assange to morph into a much larger and far more serious charge of espionage. | The murder of Julian Assange—the espionage act carries the death penalty—and the organized destruction of …

WSWS (2019-05-25). UK climate change protests: Students speak out against treatment of Assange and Manning. wsws.org Thousands of schoolchildren and students demonstrated around the UK Friday to protest government inaction on climate change.

WSWS (2019-05-25). "Truth ultimately is all we have:" Julian Assange appeals for public support. wsws.org In the first publicly-released comments to supporters since his arrest, Assange detailed his conditions of isolation at Belmarsh prison and called for supporters to mobilise in his defence.

David Greene, Kurt Opsahl (2019-05-25). The Government's Indictment of Julian Assange Poses a Clear and Present Danger to Journalism, the Freedom of the Press, and Freedom of Speech. commondreams.org Placards and messages in support of Julian Assange sit outside Ecuadorian Embassy stands in South Kensington on April 5, 2019 in London. (Photo: Jack Taylor/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/assange-threat-free-press.jpg

WSWS (2019-05-25). The class issues in the fight to free Julian Assange. wsws.org Assange is the victim of one of the most massive political frame-ups in modern history, which has received the active support of the entire political establishment and the media.

Consortiumnews (2019-05-25). Professional Assange Smearers Finally Realize His Fate Is Tied To Theirs. consortiumnews.com Rachel effing Maddow, the Queen Mother of all tinfoil pussyhat-wearing Russiagate insanity is suddenly supporting Julian Assange after his Espionage Act indictment, as Caitlin Johnstone explains. By Caitlin Johnstone CaitlinJohnstone.com Rachel Maddow has aired a segment condemning the new indictment against… Read more →

Staff (2019-05-25). As Trump Threatens Iran With War, Espionage Charges Against Assange Threaten Journalists. therealnews.com The Espionage Act removes the possibility of a public interest defense for Julian Assange, and sends a chilling message to journalists and whistleblowers…

Oscar Grenfell (2019-05-25). "Truth Ultimately Is All We Have:" Julian Assange Appeals for Public Support. globalresearch.ca In his first publicly-released comments to supporters since his arrest, WikiLeaks founder and publisher Julian Assange has detailed the repressive conditions he faces in Britain's Belmarsh prison and called for a campaign against his threatened extradition to the United States….

RT (2019-05-25). Bolton & Pompeo 'looking for fight' with Iran, Trump trapped in the middle — Ron Paul. rt.com "Warmongering" hawks on President Donald Trump's team are pushing him towards conflict with Iran as the situation in the region becomes more dangerous by the day, former congressman Ron Paul told RT.

Louise Melling (2019-05-25). An outright reversal of Roe v. Wade isn't all we should fear. nationofchange.org Across the country, people are talking about abortion as legislatures in the South and Midwest mount a full-scale attack on our reproductive freedom. Naturally, people are stressed and angry. I am too. I've been fighting to protect abortion access for more than 25 years. | I'm worried about the future of Roe v. Wade — deeply worried. But I'm worried about more than that. I'm worried that the courts will gut the right to abortion and that there won't be an outcry because the headlines won't scream, "Supreme Court strikes down right to abortion." | Don't…

teleSUR (2019-05-25). Tens of Thousands of Israelis Protest Immunity for Netanyahu. telesurenglish.net Thousands of Israelis protested Saturday against legislative steps that could grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immunity from prosecution and limit the power of the country's Supreme Court. | RELATED | Minority Coalition for Netanyahu as Liberman Refuses to Join | The demonstration in Tel Aviv was attended by nearly all opposition parties, a rare show of unity for Israel's splintered political system. Police did not say how many people attended. A Reuters photographer estim…

Tom Coburg (2019-05-25). Julian Assange prosecution should be dropped, says specialist extradition lawyer. thecanary.co The latest indictment issued by the US against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange includes 17 new charges. But a lawyer specialising in extradition argues that UK authorities should reject the case against Assange. | Selective prosecution: | The 17 additional charges listed in the indictment relate to the Espionage Act. The Cana…

RT (2019-05-24). Trump directs AG Barr to declassify data on what prompted Russiagate probe. rt.com US President Donald Trump has allowed his attorney general to declassify information about what prompted the Russiagate investigation — and ordered the heads of the intelligence agencies to cooperate with the reveal.

Lucas Koerner (2019-05-24). NYT Parrots US Propaganda on Hezbollah in Venezuela. fair.org by Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz The New York Times ( 5/2/19) publishes sensational charges about an official enemy, based on documents only the Times has seen, vouched for by unnamed intelligence agents. What could go wrong? | Judith Miller and Michael Gordon published their now infamous New York Times article o…

Countercurrents (2019-05-24). Assange Faces 175 Years in Prison with 17 More Charges. globalresearch.ca The U.S. justice department has filed 17 new charges against Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange. In reaction, NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden tweeted: It's a war on journalism. Journalists have reacted: "Modern fascism is breaking cover". | The new charges expand the …

Daniel Ellsberg (2019-05-24). Video: Daniel Ellsberg on Julian Assange's Espionage Charges. globalresearch.ca The US Department of Justice issued an 18-count indictment against Julian Assange for violating the 1917 Espionage Act. We speak to Daniel Ellsberg about the dangerous implications this move has for journalism in the United States | *** | SHARMINI PERIES: It's …

Binoy Kampmark (2019-05-24). The Espionage Act and Julian Assange. counterpunch.org It seemed flimsy from the start, but the US Department of Justice is keen to get their man. What has certainly transpired of late is that Mike Pompeo was being unusually faithful to the truth when director of the CIA: every means would be found to prosecute the case against WikiLeaks and Julian Assange. His More

Caitlin Johnstone (2019-05-24). The Media is Finally Realizing What the Prosecution of Assange Means for Journalism. theantimedia.com (CJ Opinion) — Rachel Maddow has aired a segment condemning the new indictment against Julian Assange for 17 alleged violations of the Espionage Act. Yes, that Rachel Maddow. MSNBC's top host began the segment after it was introduced by Chris Hayes, agreeing with her colleague that it's surprising that more news outlets aren't giving this story more "wall to wall" coverage, given its immense …

RT (2019-05-24). Lone US senator decries use of Espionage Act against Assange as establishment keeps mum. rt.com Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) has become a rare voice among the US politicians to denounce the new US indictment of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange as an encroachment on First Amendment rights.

Lee Camp (2019-05-24). Lee Camp: 18 Ways Julian Assange Changed the World. mintpressnews.com Julian Assange is a dick. It's important you understand that. | Assange and WikiLeaks revealed the American military's war crimes, the American government's corruption and the American corporate media's pathetic servile flattery to the power elite. So, if you're a member of our ruling class, you would view those as textbook examples of dickery. | In a moment I'm going to list all the ways Julian Assange changed the world by being a dick. | In an evolved and fully realized society, the oligarchy would see Assange as a dangerous criminal (which they do), and the average working men and women would view him as justi…

Kevin Gosztola (2019-05-24). In Charging Assange With 17 Espionage Act Offenses, Prosecutors Claim Power To Decide Who Is And Is Not A Journalist. shadowproof.com To listen to the story, click the above player. In a superseding indictment, the Justice Department charged WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with 17 charges of violating the Espionage Act. The Justice Department has relied upon the Espionage Act to target whistleblowers for unauthorized disclosures of information. It has treated journalists…

WSWS (2019-05-24). New charges against Julian Assange under the Espionage Act criminalize journalism. wsws.org The Trump administration's persecution of Assange is a historic attack on the First Amendment of the US constitution, for which the media and the Democratic Party share responsibility.

Staff (2019-05-24). Julian Assange's Attorney Decries Espionage Charges as Threat to Press Freedom. truthout.org In an unprecedented move, the Justice Department has indicted WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on 17 charges of violating the Espionage Act for his role in publishing U.S. classified military and diplomatic documents exposing U.S. war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan. The documents were leaked by U.S. Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning. The Espionage Act of 1917 has never been used to prosecute a journalist or media outlet. The new charges come just over a month after British police forcibly removed Assange from the Ecuadorean Embassy in London, where he took asylum in 2012. Initially the Trump administration in…

Democracy Now! (2019-05-24). Jeremy Scahill: New Indictment of Assange Is Part of a Broader War on Journalism & Whistleblowers. democracynow.org The Espionage Act charges filed against Julian Assange mark just the latest attempt by the Trump administration to criminalize journalism and whistleblowers. Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning is back in jail for refusing to testify before a grand jury. Two weeks ago, drone whistleblower Daniel Hale was arrested in Tennessee. We air a new video by The Intercept titled "Why You Should Care About Trump's War on Whistleblowers," featuring Jeremy Scahill. We also speak to Scahill and Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg about how the corporate media has failed to stand up for Assange and others.

Staff (2019-05-24). Daniel Ellsberg: Julian Assange's Espionage Charges Are a Travesty. truthdig.com What follows is a conversation between Daniel Ellsberg and Sharmini Peries of the Real News Network. Read a transcript of their conversation below or watch the video at the bottom of…

Consortiumnews (2019-05-24). How Many Times Must Assange Be Proven Right? consortiumnews.com The espionage charges against Assange bear out what he's been saying and should open ears to what he's also said about the non-Russian source of the DNC emails, says Caitlin Johnstone. By Caitlin Johnstone CaitlinJohnstone.com And there it is…. Read more →

Consortiumnews (2019-05-24). Assange Espionage Act Indictment: Watch 31st Vigil. consortiumnews.com Watch the replay of a webcast discussion about Julian Assange's indictment under the Espionage Act and the grave implications for the future of American journalism. See John Kiriakou, Chris Hedges, Margaret Kimberely, Peter B. Collins, and George Samzuely with hosts… Read more →

Democracy Now! (2019-05-24). Daniel Ellsberg: Espionage Charges Against Assange Are Most Significant Attack on Press in Decades. democracynow.org As the Justice Department charges WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with 17 counts of violating the Espionage Act, we speak to Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg. In 1971, he was charged with violating the Espionage Act for leaking a top-secret report on U.S. involvement in Vietnam to The New York Times and other publications. At the time, Ellsberg faced over 100 years in prison. He tells Democracy Now!, "There hasn't actually been such a significant attack on the freedom of the press … since my case in 1971."

Binoy Kampmark (2019-05-24). The Espionage Act and Julian Assange: The US Justice Department Expands Its Case. dissidentvoice.org It seemed flimsy from the start, but the US Department of Justice is keen to get their man. What has certainly transpired of late is that Mike Pompeo was being unusually faithful to the truth when director of the CIA: every means would be found to prosecute the case against WikiLeaks and Julian Assange. His …

Christian Christensen (2019-05-24). Assange, Espionage, and the Cult of Personality. commondreams.org Wikileaks founder Julian Assange holds a press conference at Park Plaza Hotel on October 23, 2010 in London, England. The series released at the time included leaks of American military documents, nearly 400,000 in total, included details about how the torture and the abuse of detainees by Iraqi police, was ignored by U.S. forces. On Thursday it was reported that the U.S. government has filed charges under the Espionage Act for Assange's work as a journalist. (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/julian_

Eoin Higgins, staff writer (2019-05-24). Sanders, Warren, Wyden Join Free Press Advocates in Denouncing Assange Prosecution as Grave Threat—But Others Are Silent. commondreams.org "Donald Trump must obey the Constitution, which protects the publication of news about our government." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/assange_13.jpg

Consortiumnews (2019-05-24). Assange Indicted Under Espionage Act on 17 New Counts. consortiumnews.com WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was indicted on Thursday under the Espionage Act, the first time a journalist has been charged under the Act for possessing and disseminating classified information. By Joe Lauria Special to Consortium News A journalist was indicted… Read more →

Staff (2019-05-24). Daniel Ellsberg on Julian Assange's Espionage Charges. therealnews.com The US Department of Justice issued an 18-count indictment against Julian Assange for violating the 1917 Espionage Act. We speak to Daniel Ellsberg about the dangerous implications this move has for journalism in the United States…

James Risen (2019-05-24). The Indictment of Julian Assange Under the Espionage Act Is a Threat to the Press and the American People. theintercept.com If the government gets to define journalism, what's to stop it from making similar rulings about any outlet whose coverage it doesn't like?

Democracy Now! (2019-05-24). Exclusive: Julian Assange's Attorney Decries Espionage Charges as "Grave Threat to Press Freedom" democracynow.org In an unprecedented move, the Justice Department has indicted WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on 17 charges of violating the Espionage Act for his role in publishing U.S. classified military and diplomatic documents exposing U.S. war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan. The documents were leaked by U.S. Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning. The Espionage Act of 1917 has never been used to prosecute a journalist or media outlet. The new charges come just over a month after British police forcibly removed Assange from the Ecuadorean Embassy in London, where he took asylum in 2012. Initially the Trump administration indic…

Stephen Lendman (2019-05-24). Spurious US 18-Count Indictment of Julian Assange: A Mockery of Justice. globalresearch.ca It was just a matter of time before the Trump regime piled on more spurious charges against Assange, clearly prepared long before Thursday's release. | They're on top of falsely accusing him of "conspiracy to commit computer intrusion," according to an …

Akela Lacy (2019-05-24). Sanders, Warren, and Wyden Slam Assange Indictment, a Renegade Use of the Espionage Act to Criminalize Journalism. theintercept.com The Justice Department filed 17 charges against WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange on Thursday, deploying the controversial Espionage Act as a cudgel against First Amendment protections and press freedom. It's the first time the U.S. government has used the Espionage Act to prosecute a publisher, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. | Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, along with Sen. Ron Wyden, who all have been outspoken on civil liberties issues, slammed the indictment. | "Let me be clear: it is a disturbing attack on the First Amendment for the Trump adminis…

Democracy Now! (2019-05-24). Headlines for May 24, 2019. democracynow.org Julian Assange Indicted Under Espionage Act in "Terrifying Threat" to 1st Amendment, British Prime Minister Theresa May to Resign June 7, Trump Preparing to Circumvent Congress on Saudi, UAE Weapons Sales, Trump Grants Attorney General Sweeping Powers to Investigate Mueller Probe Origins, Trump Calls Nancy Pelosi "Crazy" After She Calls Out Trump's "Temper Tantrum", Doctored Video Showing "Drunk" Nancy Pelosi Retweeted by Trump Lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Trump Calls Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson "Dumb as a Rock", Banker Accused of Bribing Paul Manafort to Win Trump Administration Post, Trump Pledges $16 Bill…

Ben Norton (2019-05-24). Trump's charges against Assange are historic attack on press freedoms. Media and Obama helped set the stage. thegrayzone.com It is not just Trump, but the media, Obama, Bush, mainstream "human rights" organizations, Republicans and Democrats alike that put…

Gary Leupp (2019-05-24). The Constitutional Crisis, Impeachment and Russophobia. dissidentvoice.org I think this is what you call a constitutional crisis. The president says the Mueller Report exonerates him of Russian collusion and obstruction of justice. Democrats in Congress insist it does show evidence for obstruction, that needs further investigation through hearings. Trump has ordered his officials, lawyers and aides to refuse to testify, citing executive …

Lawrence Davidson (2019-05-24). Senator Schumer's Divine Mission. counterpunch.org Back on 31 March 2019 I wrote an essay entitled "God and U.S. Foreign Policy." The central figure in that essay was Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Pompeo is a Christian fundamentalist who believes that God is at work when it comes to both sustaining Israeli society as well as the U.S. foreign policies that underpin it. More

David Rosen (2019-05-24). 21st Century Conglomerate Trusts. counterpunch.org On May 13th, the Supreme Court voted to allow an eight-year-long antitrust case against Apple to proceed. The case, Apple Inc. v. Pepper, was originally brought in 2011 by Robert Pepper and three other iPhone users. They accused Apple of causing harm to them and other Apple users by requiring them to buy apps from the Apple App Store. Apple More

Robert Mackey (2019-05-24). Charging Julian Assange With Espionage Could Make His Extradition to the U.S. Less Likely. theintercept.com British authorities will have to decide whether to send the WikiLeaks founder to stand trial in the United States for publishing true information.

Jason Ditz (2019-05-23). Assange Faces 170 Years in Prison as US Files 17 New Charges Under Espionage Act. theantimedia.com (ANTIWAR.COM) — As the US prepares to try to acquire WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange through extradition, the Justice Department has revealed a new series of charges against him. Assange would face 170 years in US prison if convicted. The new charges are 17 separate charges under the Espionage Act. According to the Justice Department, the charges are all …

Mohamed Elmaazi (2019-05-23). Former CIA director claims US is victim of '40 years of unprovoked aggression' by Iran. Twitter responds accordingly. thecanary.co The current US secretary of state — also an ex-director of the CIA — recently put out a statement regarding Iran. And it was so outrageous that the response on Twitter was overwhelming. | Mike Pompeo claimed — apparently without a hint of irony or shame — that the Iranian government had been engaged in "40 years of unprovoked aggression": | Going to the Hill shortly to have a serious discussion with lawmakers about 40 years of unprovoked aggression from the Iranian regime and to explain the…

Bruce Clark (2019-05-23). The Sovereign Indigenous Power of Veto in Canada. dissidentvoice.org 1. The Supreme Court of Canada in Tsilhqot'in Nation v. British Columbia, 2014 S.C.C. 44, [2014] 2 S.C.R. 256 erred as a matter of law by interpreting section 35(1): — in breach of the maxim1 interpretatio cessat in claris [interpretation stops when a text is clear]; since, as held in R. v. Nicholas, 232 A.P.R.248, ∂9 …

Consortiumnews (2019-05-22). Now, the Swedish Arrest Warrant for Assange. consortiumnews.com Craig Murray spots the latest phase of judicial and media bias against the publisher of WikiLeaks. By Craig Murray CraigMurray.org.uk In Sweden, prosecutors have applied to the Swedish courts to issue a warrant for Julian Assange's arrest. There is a… Read more →

Staff (2019-05-21). Trump Says the Military Industrial Complex is Pressuring him Into a War With Iran. therealnews.com With a thirty year Boeing veteran at the Pentagon, Patrick Shanahan as Acting Secretary of Defense, and with John Bolton and Mike Pompeo at the helm, war with Iran is likely says the former chief of staff to Secretary of State, Col. Larry Wilkerson…

2019-05-26: Social Media Postees

"Truth ultimately is all we have:" Julian Assange appeals for public support
wsws.org | 2019-05-25
In the first publicly-released comments to supporters since his arrest, Assange detailed his conditions of isolation at Belmarsh prison and called for supporters to mobilise in his defence.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/05/25/assa-m25.html

Professional Assange Smearers Finally Realize His Fate Is Tied To Theirs
consortiumnews.com | 2019-05-25
Rachel effing Maddow, the Queen Mother of all tinfoil pussyhat-wearing Russiagate insanity is suddenly supporting Julian Assange after his Espionage Act indictment, as Caitlin Johnstone explains. By Caitlin Johnstone CaitlinJohnstone.com Rachel Maddow has aired a segment condemning the new indictment against… Read more ?…
consortiumnews.com/2019/05/25/professional-assange-smearers-finally-realize-his-fate-is-tied-to-theirs/

As Trump Threatens Iran With War, Espionage Charges Against Assange Threaten Journalists
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-05-25
The Espionage Act removes the possibility of a public interest defense for Julian Assange, and sends a chilling message to journalists and whistleblowers…
therealnews.com/stories/as-trump-threatens-iran-with-war-espionage-charges-against-assange-threaten-journalists

What Assange Indictment Means for Press Freedom
RT | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-05-25
Since the DOJ has indicted WikiLeaks founder and journalist Julian Assange with 17 more charges under the Espionage Act, many activists are worried about what this means for press freedoms. Former Professor of Journalism at Woodbury University Lyle Slack join In Question to discuss what this means.
dissidentvoice.org/2019/05/what-assange-indictment-means-for-press-freedom/

Julian Assange prosecution should be dropped, says specialist extradition lawyer
Tom Coburg | thecanary.co | 2019-05-25
The latest indictment issued by the US against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange includes 17 new charges. But a lawyer specialising in extradition argues that UK authorities should reject the case against Assange. | Selective prosecution: | The 17 additional charges listed in the indictment relate to the Espionage Act. The Cana…
thecanary.co/global/world-analysis/2019/05/25/julian-assange-prosecution-should-be-dropped-says-specialist-extradition-lawyer/

UK climate change protests: Students speak out against treatment of Assange and Manning
wsws.org | 2019-05-25
Thousands of schoolchildren and students demonstrated around the UK Friday to protest government inaction on climate change.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/05/25/inuk-m25.html

Julian Assange and the Crucifixion of Free Speech
Kurt Nimmo | globalresearch.ca | 2019-05-25
It didn't take long for the computer intrusion case against Julian Assange to morph into a much larger and far more serious charge of espionage. | The murder of Julian Assange–the espionage act carries the death penalty–and the organized destruction of …
globalresearch.ca/julian-assange-crucifixion-free-speech/5678432

"Truth Ultimately Is All We Have:" Julian Assange Appeals for Public Support
Oscar Grenfell | globalresearch.ca | 2019-05-25
In his first publicly-released comments to supporters since his arrest, WikiLeaks founder and publisher Julian Assange has detailed the repressive conditions he faces in Britain's Belmarsh prison and called for a campaign against his threatened extradition to the United States….
globalresearch.ca/truth-ultimately-all-we-have-julian-assange-appeals-public-support/5678467

'This is about attacking journalism,' warn press freedom defenders as Trump DOJ hits Assange with new espionage charges
Jessica Corbett | nationofchange.org | 2019-05-25
"This is about retaliation for publishing evidence of U.S. war crimes and other crimes by the most powerful nation on Earth."
nationofchange.org/2019/05/25/this-is-about-attacking-journalism-warn-press-freedom-defenders-as-trump-doj-hits-assange-with-new-espionage-charges/

The class issues in the fight to free Julian Assange
wsws.org | 2019-05-25
Assange is the victim of one of the most massive political frame-ups in modern history, which has received the active support of the entire political establishment and the media.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/05/25/pers-m25.html

The Government's Indictment of Julian Assange Poses a Clear and Present Danger to Journalism, the Freedom of the Press, and Freedom of Speech
David Greene, Kurt Opsahl | commondreams.org | 2019-05-25
Placards and messages in support of Julian Assange sit outside Ecuadorian Embassy stands in South Kensington on April 5, 2019 in London. (Photo: Jack Taylor/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/assange-threat-free-press.jpg
commondreams.org/views/2019/05/25/governments-indictment-julian-assange-poses-clear-and-present-danger-journalism?cd-origin=rss

Bolton & Pompeo 'looking for fight' with Iran, Trump trapped in the middle — Ron Paul
rt.com | 2019-05-25
"Warmongering" hawks on President Donald Trump's team are pushing him towards conflict with Iran as the situation in the region becomes more dangerous by the day, former congressman Ron Paul told RT. | …
rt.com/usa/460265-bolton-pompeo-fight-iran/

Tens of Thousands of Israelis Protest Immunity for Netanyahu
telesurenglish.net | 2019-05-25
Thousands of Israelis protested Saturday against legislative steps that could grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immunity from prosecution and limit the power of the country's Supreme Court. | RELATED | Minority Coalition for Netanyahu as Liberman Refuses to Join | The demonstration in Tel Aviv was attended by nearly all opposition parties, a rare show of unity for Israel's splintered political system. Police did not say how many people attended. A Reuters photographer estim…
telesurenglish.net/news/Tens-of-Thousands-of-Israelis-Protest-Immunity-for-Netanyahu-20190525-0018.html

An outright reversal of Roe v. Wade isn't all we should fear
Louise Melling | nationofchange.org | 2019-05-25
Across the country, people are talking about abortion as legislatures in the South and Midwest mount a full-scale attack on our reproductive freedom. Naturally, people are stressed and angry. I am too. I've been fighting to protect abortion access for more than 25 years. | I'm worried about the future of Roe v. Wade — deeply worried. But I'm worried about more than that. I'm worried that the courts will gut the right to abortion and that there won't be an outcry because the headlines won't scream, "Supreme Court strikes down right to abortion." | Don't…
nationofchange.org/2019/05/25/an-outright-reversal-of-roe-v-wade-isnt-all-we-should-fear/

Trump directs AG Barr to declassify data on what prompted Russiagate probe
rt.com | 2019-05-24
US President Donald Trump has allowed his attorney general to declassify information about what prompted the Russiagate investigation — and ordered the heads of the intelligence agencies to cooperate with the reveal. | …
rt.com/usa/460133-trump-declassifies-russiagate-barr/

NYT Parrots US Propaganda on Hezbollah in Venezuela
Lucas Koerner | fair.org | 2019-05-24
by Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz The New York Times ( 5/2/19) publishes sensational charges about an official enemy, based on documents only the Times has seen, vouched for by unnamed intelligence agents. What could go wrong? | Judith Miller and Michael Gordon published their now infamous New York Times article o…
fair.org/home/nyt-parrots-us-propaganda-on-hezbollah-in-venezuela/

Assange Faces 175 Years in Prison with 17 More Charges
Countercurrents | globalresearch.ca | 2019-05-24
The U.S. justice department has filed 17 new charges against Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange. In reaction, NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden tweeted: It's a war on journalism. Journalists have reacted: "Modern fascism is breaking cover". | The new charges expand the …
globalresearch.ca/assange-faces-175-years-in-prison-with-17-more-charges/5678418

New charges against Julian Assange under the Espionage Act criminalize journalism
wsws.org | 2019-05-24
The Trump administration's persecution of Assange is a historic attack on the First Amendment of the US constitution, for which the media and the Democratic Party share responsibility.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/05/24/pers-m24.html

Trump's charges against Assange are historic attack on press freedoms. Media and Obama helped set the stage
Ben Norton | thegrayzone.com | 2019-05-24
It is not just Trump, but the media, Obama, Bush, mainstream "human rights" organizations, Republicans and Democrats alike that put…
thegrayzone.com/2019/05/24/trump-charges-assange-press-freedoms-media-obama/

Lee Camp: 18 Ways Julian Assange Changed the World
Lee Camp | mintpressnews.com | 2019-05-24
Julian Assange is a dick. It's important you understand that. | Assange and WikiLeaks revealed the American military's war crimes, the American government's corruption and the American corporate media's pathetic servile flattery to the power elite. So, if you're a member of our ruling class, you would view those as textbook examples of dickery. | In a moment I'm going to list all the ways Julian Assange changed the world by being a dick. | In an evolved and fully realized society, the oligarchy would see Assange as a dangerous criminal (which they do), and the average working men and women would view him as justi…
mintpressnews.com/lee-camp18-ways-julian-assange-wikileaks-changed-the-world/258790/

Assange Espionage Act Indictment: Watch 31st Vigil
consortiumnews.com | 2019-05-24
Watch the replay of a webcast discussion about Julian Assange's indictment under the Espionage Act and the grave implications for the future of American journalism. See John Kiriakou, Chris Hedges, Margaret Kimberely, Peter B. Collins, and George Samzuely with hosts… Read more ?…
consortiumnews.com/2019/05/24/assange-espionage-act-indictment-watch-31st-vigil-live/

Lone US senator decries use of Espionage Act against Assange as establishment keeps mum
rt.com | 2019-05-24
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) has become a rare voice among the US politicians to denounce the new US indictment of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange as an encroachment on First Amendment rights. | …
rt.com/usa/460127-assange-senator-first-amendment/

Sanders, Warren, Wyden Join Free Press Advocates in Denouncing Assange Prosecution as Grave Threat—But Others Are Silent
Eoin Higgins, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-05-24
"Donald Trump must obey the Constitution, which protects the publication of news about our government." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/assange_13.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2019/05/24/sanders-warren-wyden-join-free-press-advocates-denouncing-assange-prosecution-grave?cd-origin=rss

Video: Daniel Ellsberg on Julian Assange's Espionage Charges
Daniel Ellsberg | globalresearch.ca | 2019-05-24
The US Department of Justice issued an 18-count indictment against Julian Assange for violating the 1917 Espionage Act. We speak to Daniel Ellsberg about the dangerous implications this move has for journalism in the United States | *** | SHARMINI PERIES: It's …
globalresearch.ca/daniel-ellsberg-julian-assanges-espionage-charges/5678413

Charging Julian Assange With Espionage Could Make His Extradition to the U.S. Less Likely
Robert Mackey | theintercept.com | 2019-05-24
British authorities will have to decide whether to send the WikiLeaks founder to stand trial in the United States for publishing true information.
theintercept.com/2019/05/24/julian-assange-espionage-act-us-extradition/

Sanders, Warren, and Wyden Slam Assange Indictment, a Renegade Use of the Espionage Act to Criminalize Journalism
Akela Lacy | theintercept.com | 2019-05-24
The Justice Department filed 17 charges against WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange on Thursday, deploying the controversial Espionage Act as a cudgel against First Amendment protections and press freedom. It's the first time the U.S. government has used the Espionage Act to prosecute a publisher, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. | Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, along with Sen. Ron Wyden, who all have been outspoken on civil liberties issues, slammed the indictment. | "Let me be clear: it is a disturbing attack on the First Amendment for the Trump adminis…
theintercept.com/2019/05/24/julian-assange-extradition-espionage-congress/

The Espionage Act and Julian Assange: The US Justice Department Expands Its Case
Binoy Kampmark | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-05-24
It seemed flimsy from the start, but the US Department of Justice is keen to get their man. What has certainly transpired of late is that Mike Pompeo was being unusually faithful to the truth when director of the CIA: every means would be found to prosecute the case against WikiLeaks and Julian Assange. His …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/05/the-espionage-act-and-julian-assange-the-us-justice-department-expands-its-case/

Assange, Espionage, and the Cult of Personality
Christian Christensen | commondreams.org | 2019-05-24
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange holds a press conference at Park Plaza Hotel on October 23, 2010 in London, England. The series released at the time included leaks of American military documents, nearly 400,000 in total, included details about how the torture and the abuse of detainees by Iraqi police, was ignored by U.S. forces. On Thursday it was reported that the U.S. government has filed charges under the Espionage Act for Assange's work as a journalist. (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/julian_
commondreams.org/views/2019/05/24/assange-espionage-and-cult-personality?cd-origin=rss

The Indictment of Julian Assange Under the Espionage Act Is a Threat to the Press and the American People
James Risen | theintercept.com | 2019-05-24
If the government gets to define journalism, what's to stop it from making similar rulings about any outlet whose coverage it doesn't like?
theintercept.com/2019/05/24/the-indictment-of-julian-assange-under-the-espionage-act-is-a-threat-to-the-press-and-the-american-people/

Daniel Ellsberg: Espionage Charges Against Assange Are Most Significant Attack on Press in Decades
Democracy Now! | democracynow.org | 2019-05-24
As the Justice Department charges WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with 17 counts of violating the Espionage Act, we speak to Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg. In 1971, he was charged with violating the Espionage Act for leaking a top-secret report on U.S. involvement in Vietnam to The New York Times and other publications. At the time, Ellsberg faced over 100 years in prison. He tells Democracy Now!, "There hasn't actually been such a significant attack on the freedom of the press … since my case in 1971."
www.democracynow.org/2019/5/24/daniel_ellsberg_espionage_charges_against_assange

Daniel Ellsberg: Julian Assange's Espionage Charges Are a Travesty
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-05-24
What follows is a conversation between Daniel Ellsberg and Sharmini Peries of the Real News Network. Read a transcript of their conversation below or watch the video at the bottom of…
truthdig.com/articles/daniel-ellsberg-julian-assanges-espionage-charges-are-a-travesty/

Jeremy Scahill: New Indictment of Assange Is Part of a Broader War on Journalism & Whistleblowers
Democracy Now! | democracynow.org | 2019-05-24
The Espionage Act charges filed against Julian Assange mark just the latest attempt by the Trump administration to criminalize journalism and whistleblowers. Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning is back in jail for refusing to testify before a grand jury. Two weeks ago, drone whistleblower Daniel Hale was arrested in Tennessee. We air a new video by The Intercept titled "Why You Should Care About Trump's War on Whistleblowers," featuring Jeremy Scahill. We also speak to Scahill and Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg about how the corporate media has failed to stand up for Assange and others.
www.democracynow.org/2019/5/24/jeremy_scahill_new_indictment_of_assange

The Espionage Act and Julian Assange
Binoy Kampmark | counterpunch.org | 2019-05-24
It seemed flimsy from the start, but the US Department of Justice is keen to get their man. What has certainly transpired of late is that Mike Pompeo was being unusually faithful to the truth when director of the CIA: every means would be found to prosecute the case against WikiLeaks and Julian Assange. His…
counterpunch.org/2019/05/24/the-espionage-act-and-julian-assange/

The Media is Finally Realizing What the Prosecution of Assange Means for Journalism
Caitlin Johnstone | theantimedia.com | 2019-05-24
(CJ Opinion) — Rachel Maddow has aired a segment condemning the new indictment against Julian Assange for 17 alleged violations of the Espionage Act. Yes, that Rachel Maddow. MSNBC's top host began the segment after it was introduced by Chris Hayes, agreeing with her colleague that it's surprising that more news outlets aren't giving this story more "wall to wall" coverage, given its immense …

The Media is Finally Realizing What the Prosecution of Assange Means for Journalism

How Many Times Must Assange Be Proven Right?
consortiumnews.com | 2019-05-24
The espionage charges against Assange bear out what he's been saying and should open ears to what he's also said about the non-Russian source of the DNC emails, says Caitlin Johnstone. By Caitlin Johnstone CaitlinJohnstone.com And there it is…. Read more ?…
consortiumnews.com/2019/05/24/how-many-times-must-assange-be-proven-right/

Exclusive: Julian Assange's Attorney Decries Espionage Charges as "Grave Threat to Press Freedom"
Democracy Now! | democracynow.org | 2019-05-24
In an unprecedented move, the Justice Department has indicted WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on 17 charges of violating the Espionage Act for his role in publishing U.S. classified military and diplomatic documents exposing U.S. war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan. The documents were leaked by U.S. Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning. The Espionage Act of 1917 has never been used to prosecute a journalist or media outlet. The new charges come just over a month after British police forcibly removed Assange from the Ecuadorean Embassy in London, where he took asylum in 2012. Initially the Trump administration indic…
www.democracynow.org/2019/5/24/exclusive_julian_assange_s_attorney_decries

In Charging Assange With 17 Espionage Act Offenses, Prosecutors Claim Power To Decide Who Is And Is Not A Journalist
Kevin Gosztola | shadowproof.com | 2019-05-24
To listen to the story, click the above player. In a superseding indictment, the Justice Department charged WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with 17 charges of violating the Espionage Act. The Justice Department has relied upon the Espionage Act to target whistleblowers for unauthorized disclosures of information. It has treated journalists…
shadowproof.com/2019/05/23/julian-assange-prosecutors-17-espionage-act-violations/

Daniel Ellsberg on Julian Assange's Espionage Charges
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-05-24
The US Department of Justice issued an 18-count indictment against Julian Assange for violating the 1917 Espionage Act. We speak to Daniel Ellsberg about the dangerous implications this move has for journalism in the United States…
therealnews.com/stories/daniel-ellsberg-on-julian-assanges-espionage-charges

Spurious US 18-Count Indictment of Julian Assange: A Mockery of Justice
Stephen Lendman | globalresearch.ca | 2019-05-24
It was just a matter of time before the Trump regime piled on more spurious charges against Assange, clearly prepared long before Thursday's release. | They're on top of falsely accusing him of "conspiracy to commit computer intrusion," according to an …
globalresearch.ca/us-18-count-indictment-julian-assange-mockery-justice/5678402

Assange Indicted Under Espionage Act on 17 New Counts
consortiumnews.com | 2019-05-24
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was indicted on Thursday under the Espionage Act, the first time a journalist has been charged under the Act for possessing and disseminating classified information. By Joe Lauria Special to Consortium News A journalist was indicted… Read more ?…
consortiumnews.com/2019/05/23/assange-indicted-under-espionage-act-on-17-new-counts/

Julian Assange's Attorney Decries Espionage Charges as Threat to Press Freedom
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-05-24
In an unprecedented move, the Justice Department has indicted WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on 17 charges of violating the Espionage Act for his role in publishing U.S. classified military and diplomatic documents exposing U.S. war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan. The documents were leaked by U.S. Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning. The Espionage Act of 1917 has never been used to prosecute a journalist or media outlet. The new charges come just over a month after British police forcibly removed Assange from the Ecuadorean Embassy in London, where he took asylum in 2012. Initially the Trump administration in…
truthout.org/video/julian-assanges-attorney-decries-espionage-charges-as-threat-to-press-freedom/

The Constitutional Crisis, Impeachment and Russophobia
Gary Leupp | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-05-24
I think this is what you call a constitutional crisis. The president says the Mueller Report exonerates him of Russian collusion and obstruction of justice. Democrats in Congress insist it does show evidence for obstruction, that needs further investigation through hearings. Trump has ordered his officials, lawyers and aides to refuse to testify, citing executive …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/05/the-constitutional-crisis-impeachment-and-russophobia/

Senator Schumer's Divine Mission
Lawrence Davidson | counterpunch.org | 2019-05-24
Back on 31 March 2019 I wrote an essay entitled "God and U.S. Foreign Policy." The central figure in that essay was Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Pompeo is a Christian fundamentalist who believes that God is at work when it comes to both sustaining Israeli society as well as the U.S. foreign policies that underpin it.
counterpunch.org/2019/05/24/senator-schumers-divine-mission/

21st Century Conglomerate Trusts
David Rosen | counterpunch.org | 2019-05-24
On May 13th, the Supreme Court voted to allow an eight-year-long antitrust case against Apple to proceed. The case, Apple Inc. v. Pepper, was originally brought in 2011 by Robert Pepper and three other iPhone users. They accused Apple of causing harm to them and other Apple users by requiring them to buy apps from the Apple App Store. Apple…
counterpunch.org/2019/05/24/21st-century-trusts/

Assange Faces 170 Years in Prison as US Files 17 New Charges Under Espionage Act
Jason Ditz | theantimedia.com | 2019-05-23
(ANTIWAR.COM) — As the US prepares to try to acquire WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange through extradition, the Justice Department has revealed a new series of charges against him. Assange would face 170 years in US prison if convicted. The new charges are 17 separate charges under the Espionage Act. According to the Justice Department, the charges are all …

Assange Faces 170 Years in Prison as US Files 17 New Charges Under Espionage Act

Former CIA director claims US is victim of '40 years of unprovoked aggression' by Iran. Twitter responds accordingly
Mohamed Elmaazi | thecanary.co | 2019-05-23
The current US secretary of state — also an ex-director of the CIA — recently put out a statement regarding Iran. And it was so outrageous that the response on Twitter was overwhelming. | Mike Pompeo claimed — apparently without a hint of irony or shame — that the Iranian government had been engaged in "40 years of unprovoked aggression": | Going to the Hill shortly to have a serious discussion with lawmakers about 40 years of unprovoked aggression from the Iranian regime and to explain the…
thecanary.co/global/world-analysis/2019/05/23/former-cia-director-claims-us-is-victim-of-40-years-of-unprovoked-aggression-by-iran-twitter-responds-accordingly/

The Sovereign Indigenous Power of Veto in Canada
Bruce Clark | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-05-23
1. The Supreme Court of Canada in Tsilhqot'in Nation v. British Columbia, 2014 S.C.C. 44, [2014] 2 S.C.R. 256 erred as a matter of law by interpreting section 35(1): — in breach of the maxim1 interpretatio cessat in claris [interpretation stops when a text is clear]; since, as held in R. v. Nicholas, 232 A.P.R.248, ∂9 …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/05/the-sovereign-indigenous-power-of-veto-in-canada/

Now, the Swedish Arrest Warrant for Assange
consortiumnews.com | 2019-05-22
Craig Murray spots the latest phase of judicial and media bias against the publisher of WikiLeaks. By Craig Murray CraigMurray.org.uk In Sweden, prosecutors have applied to the Swedish courts to issue a warrant for Julian Assange's arrest. There is a… Read more ?…
consortiumnews.com/2019/05/22/now-the-swedish-arrest-warrant-for-assange/

Trump Says the Military Industrial Complex is Pressuring him Into a War With Iran
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-05-21
With a thirty year Boeing veteran at the Pentagon, Patrick Shanahan as Acting Secretary of Defense, and with John Bolton and Mike Pompeo at the helm, war with Iran is likely says the former chief of staff to Secretary of State, Col. Larry Wilkerson…
therealnews.com/stories/trump-says-the-military-industrial-complex-is-pressuring-him-into-a-war-with-iran

Bottle of Lies: How Poor FDA Oversight & Fraud in Generic Drug Industry Threaten Patients' Health
Democracy Now! | democracynow.org | 2019-05-20
Generic drugs amount to 90% of all prescriptions filled in the U.S., most of them made in plants in India and China. Generic drugs can be more affordable, but in her new explosive book "Bottle of Lies: The Inside Story of the Generic Drug Boom," investigative journalist Katherine Eban works with two industry whistleblowers to expose how some manufacturers are cutting corners at the cost of quality and safety. This comes as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration just issued its own update on the state of pharmaceutical quality that found the drug quality of factories in India and China scored below the world averag…
www.democracynow.org/2019/5/20/bottle_of_lies_how_poor_fda