Inconvenient truths

THE extradition case targeting WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been compared to the Soviet show trials under Stalin. That is obviously an exaggeration, although the court proceedings have provided valid cause for concern. The socially distanced hearings in a London courtroom concluded earlier this month. Lawyers for the defence and the US government will make their final submissions in writing over the next few weeks, followed by a verdict on Jan 4. Whichever way it goes, an appeal is almost inevitable. The case should be of profound concern not just to journalists everywhere, but to anyone who cherishes the idea of occasionally being enlightened about important facts that governments...