AP Photo/Cliff Owen
The Espionage Act is an unconstitutional law used to prosecute whistleblowers and news publishers.
The Espionage Act is a broad secrecy law that outlaws the sharing of defense information with anyone, for any reason.
In recent years, the law has been wielded to stifle dissent and journalism. Whistleblowers have been imprisoned under the law. It’s also been used against journalists and news outlets that publish government secrets.
We must reform the Espionage Act to distinguish between spying and the exposing of wrongdoing.
Featured Items
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Assange freed, press freedom imperiled
Through op-eds and TV appearances, FPF made clear that the Biden administration deserves zero credit after forcing Julian Assange to plead guilty to get out of prison
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The government says it won’t prosecute ‘real’ journalists. Don’t believe it
Recent statements about a military newspaper belie claims that the government won’t treat conventional journalists like it treated Julian Assange
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11 years after Snowden revelations, government still expanding surveillance
New ‘spy draft law’ and ongoing retaliation against those who expose government secrets show there’s a long way to go in combating overreach
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Assange decision should be wake-up call for US
America was once recognized as a leader in press rights. Now other countries question its commitment to the First Amendment
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Federal prosecutors claim news is criminal contraband
Unconstitutional prior restraints are already on the rise. Now prosecutors are exploring novel new theories to censor journalists
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UK grants Assange extradition appeal — but US can end this case now
Freedom of the Press Foundation comments on the implications for press freedom of today’s Assange ruling
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Five years after Assange’s UK imprisonment, his prosecution still threatens press freedom
Espionage Act charges against Assange would criminalize journalism, no matter how often the government calls him a hacker
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Inside the Assange court hearing and why the case threatens press freedom
Discussion highlights implications of Assange prosecution for journalism in US and globally
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UK grants Assange another hearing, avoids press freedom catastrophe — for now
Quote on press freedom impact of today's Assange decision
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Publishing government secrets shouldn’t be illegal
The DOJ must end the Assange case before it turns journalists into criminals