Let's be sure that we understand that Assange is not charged with anything related to Russia or Russiagate or even with breaking a law. Assange is charged with being in a conspiracy with Manning "to commit computer intrusion." The charge is not that Assange succeeded in hacking a government computer and obtaining classified information. It merely says that Assange discussed the possibility with Manning and had an intention to hack a computer. Most likely, even this noncrime is an invention of prosecutors instructed to indict Assange in the absence of any evidence. It is all that they could come up with.

It is impossible to respect the indictment. It is the product of evil, and the evil indictment is a direct assault on the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Those who have brought this false charge have violated their oath to protect the Constitution from enemies abroad and at home. It is the enemies at home that we have to be concerned about as it is these enemies who have power over us.