WikiLeaks editor Kristinn Hrafnsson leads a discussion with investigative journalists Iain Overton and Chris Woods about the impact of the Iraq War Logs’ release a decade ago.
Almost 10 years ago WikiLeaks published the Iraq War Logs along with The New York Times, The Guardian, El Pais, The Washington Post and other news outlets. The logs showed the true numbers of civilian deaths in Iraq—at least 15,000 more people had died than previously thought—as well as the abuse and torture of prisoners by police and military in full knowledge of coalition forces. “
“The U.S. figures appear to be unreliable in respect of civilian deaths caused by their own military activities,” The Guardian reported. This online event was organized by the Don’t Extradite Assange campaign. It features WikiLeaks editor Kristinn Hrafnsson and investigative journalists Iain Overton and Chris Woods.
WikiLeaks’ Julian Assange remains held at a maximum security prison in London in relation to a US extradition request – he faces a sentence of 175 years for publishing truthful information in the public interest, which include the Iraq War Logs.
There will never be a trial if Julian gets handed over to America. He will just disappear, never to be heard from again.
I listened to most of this. It reminded me of some serious personal struggles I had around the time of that hateful conflict in Iraq. I suppose it was then that I learned better about my country and the fog lifted for me, but I can’t say that I enjoyed that time because I didn’t.
Thank-you all true journalist for the efforts you make to make things better for all of US! Your efforts are appreciated even if it seems they are stifled from all corners and directions. The “stiflers” will get their due – you can count on it!
My heart shudders to think what might happen if Julian Assange dies in prison. If this happens, all bets are off, and that is not a threat….I’m just reading the tea leaves and it is so obvious to me. If this happens, the choices will narrow precipitously and that is never a good thing.
As I just texted my wife…..”we need change, but change don’t come easy”.
What more is there for me to say….I’ve said my piece, and published some stories, and now I know what I need to do and I’m going to do it with gusto.
-Ken
We sure could use someone with deep pockets and strong connections to start a 24/7 television network, call it KWL west of the Mississippi and WWL east of the Mississippi with programming centered around leaks, origination of leaks, profiles of historic leakers along with original programming of dramas and comedies (recall comedy?). Only, of course, with permission from Wikileaks for use of their initials for the call sign. If no permission, there are other call letters that come with a license. This would educate and entertain and enlighten the people. Pipe dream, I know, still, it’s what we need!!
An excellent program! I have seen no discussion so far in the U.S. press about extraditing Julian here. But I only read the local paper, (Providence Journal), I will look in the larger papers and also try to get at least a letter of support published for Julian here in Providence.
Catherine Orloff