In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg leaked the Pentagon Papers, exposing lies and war crimes committed by the U.S. Government intended to escalate the war in Vietnam. He became the first person charged as a source for violating the Espionage Act.
In 2010, Julian Assange and WikiLeaks released cables and documents showing war crimes against civilians in the Middle East.
And in 2013, Edward Snowden leaked thousands of documents, opening the nation’s eyes to the illegal and unconstitutional mass surveillance of Americans by security agencies.
All three of these brave whistleblowers took great personal risk to hold those in power accountable for their actions. Yet, all three have been prosecuted under the Espionage Act — a law written in 1917 that prevents those accused under it from having a fair day in court.
But as we have clearly seen time and time again, the First Amendment and a free press are fundamental…
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