CANBERRA, Australia – Australia's attorney-general says a contentious new law that carries a prison term for anyone who reveals information about certain secret security operations was aimed at Edward Snowden-like leakers rather than investigative reporters.
Attorney-General George Brandis announced on Thursday that he was adding a safeguard for journalists who might fall afoul of a new counterterrorism law by giving the attorney-general at the time power to veto any media prosecution.
The most contentious section of counterterrorism legislation passed Wednesday by the Senate carries a potential 10-year prison sentence for anyone who discloses information that relates to a "special intelligence operation."
Brandis says that section is primarily "intended for a Snowden-type situation," referring to the former U.S. National Security Agency contractor who leaked thousands of classified documents.
Antisemitism Exposed
Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world."
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.