They accused him of violating the espionage act when he published secret documents containing the names of confidential military and diplomatic sources, assange supporters called the charges a threat to press freedom.

The U.

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Justice Department's new indictment says that Julian assange directed former army intelligence analyst Chelsea manning to illegally obtain classified information.

The wikileaks founder then released the sensitive documents to escape being extradited to Sweden on rape charges.

Assange was granted asylum in the Ecuador Embassy in London where he stayed for seven years before the embassy evicted him in April because of disputes.

The Ecuadorians then allowed London police to arrest Assange.

He is currently serving a 50 week jail sentence for breaching bail.

Sweden is also asking authorities for him to be arrested on the rape charges and extradited to Sweden.

Previous U.

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Charges accused assange of conspiring with manning to crack a Defense Department computer password free speech advocates say the case is part of a wider crackdown by the Justice Department on national security leaks.

It's got traditional news outlets worried to searching out and publishing classified information is part and parcel of their work.

Those same concerns led the Obama administration, Justice Department to bach at bringing charges for similar conduct.