Developments made on the release of the Guantanamo Bay files show that political commentator Bill O’reilly wants Wikileaks to stand trial for the damage they have caused. He argues that; “If I got leaked WikiLeaks documents, I wouldn't put them on air. I would tell everybody flat out I wouldn't do it. Especially if it put the USA in any kind of dangerous situation – which the Guantánamo Bay thing can whip up people easily around the world.” (O’Reilly cited in Guardian, 2011). What O’reilly fails to understand is that if WikiLeaks is penalised for publishing these documents then so should the companies responsible for putting them into the press.

WikiLeaks, actually, have every right to print articles/ cables that are presented to them. The Guardian article writes that; ‘WikiLeaks has a right and even a responsibility to make the information public’ (Guardian, 2011). I happen to agree, WikiLeaks did not actively seek these files, they were sent to them by an anonymous source, and as the article identifies; ‘unless WikiLeaks colluded with or actively encouraged whoever actually downloaded the secret documents, they should not be prosecuted for publishing the information – any more than the New York Times should be prosecuted.’ (Guardian, 2011). What is often ignored is the fact that companies, who condone the site by printing these cables/articles, are just as ‘guilty’ as WikiLeaks itself.

I happen to believe that the release of these documents is enthralling and I am eager to see what they will do next.

To be continued...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/apr/27/fox-news-us-television?INTCMP=SRCH