David Frost interviews Julian Assange about secrets, leaks and why he won’t go to Sweden
Julian Assange, founder of whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks, recently sat down with David Frost in an episode of “Frost over the World.” In the 24 minute-long interview, Assange talks in-depth about the role of WikiLeaks and why he won’t go to Sweden.
Assange has seen an enormous amount of publicity recently, as WikiLeaks is in the process of releasing more than 250,000 confidential American diplomatic cables. He is also fighting extradition to Sweden where he is wanted on sexual assault charges.
Named “Man of the Year” by Le Monde, Julian Assange has been called everything from the leader of transparency in government to a “high-tech terrorist.”
In this special episode of Frost over the World, Assange speaks at great length about a number of issues ranging from the role of WikiLeaks as a leader of transparency to its goal of unveiling government secrets when it’s important for the public. The interview aired Dec. 21, Dec. 22 and Dec. 23 on Al Jazeera.
In the interview, Assange implies a fair trial in Sweden is not likely and his lawyers are concerned he will end up in an American jail. Some critics seem to agree, saying “Sweden’s reputation as a socially advanced nation is looking shakier by the minute.”
Assange says he does not blame his two accusers for allegations against him. Instead, he suggests they may be mixed up in a bigger political scheme.
In this sit-down interview with Frost, a number of questions are brought forward, including: “Why was the most senior prosecutor in Sweden removed (and replaced) after he said there was ‘no evidence or even suspicion’ of rape?” And, “Why do Swedish authorities refuse to provide British officials with any evidence of crimes Assange allegedly committed ? including withholding the statements of the victims?”
The interview is below:
[Cross-posted to Digital Journal and Future of Media]