BYA: November 30, 2010

Question: If those involved with Wikileaks are American citizens, can they not be charged with treason? If they are citizens of a foreign country, can they not be charged with espionage?

Submitted by: Rick - Clarksville, TN

Answer: According to Fox News National Correspondent Catherine Herridge, there are currently two suspects involved in the case. Because the founder of Wikileaks, Julian Assange, is an Australian citizen he cannot be charged with treason, which is a betrayal of one’s own nation. However, Assange could possibly be charged with espionage as that law is more broadly written. Justice, State and Defense Department lawyers are trying to determine if Assange violated the Espionage Act or whether he could face other charges including theft of government property or receipt of stolen government property. The other person involved is Pfc. Bradley Manning, an Army intelligence analyst. He is suspected of being the source of the Wikileaks documents and was arrested by the military earlier this year. Manning is currently being held in Quantico, Va. and could face military charges and/or criminal civilian charges for leaking classified documents.

Source/Guest: Fox News National Correspondent Catherine Herridge, “Wikileaks: Espionage? Journalism? Something else?” Associated Press, 11/30/10.