In essence, the statement suggests that intelligence agencies maintain secrecy primarily because their activities often run contrary to established legal frameworks or ethical norms. This implies a connection between the need for secrecy and the potential illegality or immorality of certain actions taken by these organizations.
On a deeper level, this quote challenges the assumption that all secret operations conducted by intelligence agencies are necessarily in the best interest of society or aligned with democratic principles. It posits that transparency is crucial to ensure accountability and prevent abuse of power. By highlighting the contradiction between secrecy and legality, Assange questions the moral justification for clandestine activities within intelligence services and raises concerns about the erosion of civil liberties in the name of national security.
Julian Assange is an Australian activist, publisher, and editor known for his work with WikiLeaks, a platform that publishes news leaks and classified media provided by anonymous sources. His statement reflects his broader views on government transparency and accountability, advocating for a more open approach to information sharing and criticism of governmental overreach.
