Are Wikileaks actions ethical?

**WickedTribe** · 12-23-10, 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by deathgodusmc

No one knows for sure at this point in time because PFC is not talking. Im sure the truth will come out at some point in time. Then we will be able to make a conclusion on that part.

If evidence turns up to suggest that he did something illegal, then we should consider that evidence. Until then it's just useless speculation.

**deathgodusmc** · 12-23-10, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by WickedTribe

If evidence turns up to suggest that he did something illegal, then we should consider that evidence. Until then it's just useless speculation.

Agreed but im not going to assume i know what has or has not been investigated already. Im sure when they decide to lay their hand on the table we'll all find out. Unfortunately for him you dont have to have paid someone for information to be charged with espionage.

**Alundil** · 12-24-10, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by Red_Lizard2

How was the manner in which it was obtained illegal? Unless there is some proof that he coerced the PFC to hand him (Assange) the material, Assange did nothing illegal in getting the information.

Is accepting, acquiring, or otherwise possessing Stolen Material legal? I would think not. Since the PFC possessed this information illegally and then passed it along to someone else who had no legal right to possess it, then I'd say he, Assange, obtained it illegally. As for you're comment that Assange did nothing illegal as long as he didn't coerce PFC into giving it to him I'd also disagree. Have a friend of yours steal something from the Louvre, let's say, and then have him give that item to you willingly. Interpol will still be knocking your door down as your possession of that item is illegal whether or not you did anything to obtain it legally or illegally.

I am not saying that the diplomatic cables, in this instance, are the same as or synonymous with Fine Art from the Louvre, but the wikileaks scenario can be "replayed" in that light without loosing it's context over legal acquisition, transmission and possession.

In essence, Assange would be guilty of Possession of Stolen Material.

**triggerhappy2005** · 12-24-10, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Alundil

Is accepting, acquiring, or otherwise possessing Stolen Material legal? I would think not. Since the PFC possessed this information illegally and then passed it along to someone else who had no legal right to possess it, then I'd say he, Assange, obtained it illegally. As for you're comment that Assange did nothing illegal as long as he didn't coerce PFC into giving it to him I'd also disagree. Have a friend of yours steal something from the Louvre, let's say, and then have him give that item to you willingly. Interpol will still be knocking your door down as your possession of that item is illegal whether or not you did anything to obtain it legally or illegally.

I am not saying that the diplomatic cables, in this instance, are the same as or synonymous with Fine Art from the Louvre, but the wikileaks scenario can be "replayed" in that light without loosing it's context over legal acquisition, transmission and possession.

In essence, Assange would be guilty of Possession of Stolen Material.

In your opinion.

**deathgodusmc** · 12-24-10, 10:06 PM

Thats not actually an opinion. Thats a fact. As a reciever of stolen goods all they have to do is prove he knew the items to be stolen. Seeing as every classified document has it stamped right on every single piece of paper its not very hard to prove it in court. So in the end all they have to do is prove he wasn't approved to have the documents and thats really easy to do.