Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has shown support for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, referring to him as a ‘generational hero’ amidst his recent release. Assange has agreed to plead guilty to a single criminal count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified U.S. national defense documents, a move that Kennedy labeled as ‘bad news’ for press freedom. Kennedy expressed his relief over Assange’s release, highlighting broader concerns about the criminalization of journalism on a global scale. Assange’s deteriorating health was a significant factor in his decision to accept the plea deal, as Kennedy referenced concerns about the WikiLeaks founder’s heart problems leading to potential fatality in prison. The plea deal, following years of legal battles and detention, has sparked discussions about the implications for press freedom moving forward. Kennedy criticized the U.S. government for imposing a ‘horrifying precedent’ with the plea deal, extending legal reach to foreign journalists and criminalizing investigative journalism practices. In a bid to raise awareness about the importance of free speech, Kennedy suggested building a monument to Assange in Washington as a lesson on civics and press freedom. The presidential hopeful also advocated for the release of other whistleblowers, Edward Snowden and Ross Ulbricht, underscoring the significance of government transparency and transactional freedom in today’s context.
