Secret Power: WikiLeaks and Its Enemies
A new book by Stefania Maurizi provides a first hand account of the campaigns waged against WikiLeaks and Julian Assange by their enemies.
[Image: an expansion of the black background of the cover of Stefania Maurizi’s new book.]
Published 2022-11-09
Later that day: the Culture section is completed.
Update 2022-11-12: Added the link to the article for and video of Matt Kennard, of Declassified UK, interviewing Stella Assange in which Mauritizi’s book gets a mention. Its an excellent interview.
Update 2023-01-20: Stefania’s book tour event in Washington D.C is added to sources.
This article is available as a partial reading. The reading includes a rant after the 10 minute mark which extends this article.
Introduction and Disclaimer
This article is, in essence, a free advertisement for the recently released book by Italian journalist Stefania Maurizi translated into English by Lesli Cavanaugh-Bardelli, forwarded by Ken Loach and published by Pluto Books. This article also promotes "The Trail of Julian Assange: A Story of Persecution" by UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer published by Verso Books. This author his never been in contact with either author or the publishers of their books. I do not expect any financial reward for this work. Actually, I don’t want any either.
This author has, however, been closely following the cases against Julian Assange and the attacks on WikiLeaks since the Snowden revelations in 2013. I soon knew that the "rape allegations" against Assange were bogus. He was never charged, and the investigation itself alarmed the two women with whom he had consenting sexual encounters. This was obviously political from the outset. A writer employed by The Guardian, Luke Harding, published the password to the diplomatic cables archive as a chapter title in a book. This enabled cryptome.org to publish the entirety of the decrypted cables. He did this before Wikileaks. Indeed, John Young who runs the cryptome.org site has recently called to also be indicted by the USA government for the same change Espionage Act charges which they have leveled at Julian Assange.
I have been able to identify the journalists who have been doggedly following the trail of the persecution of Julian Assange. They obviously include Maurizi, but also Joe Lauria from Consortium News, Richard Medhurst who self publishes, Kevin Gosztola from The Dissenter/ShadowProof and others like Mohamed Elmaazi. The MSM have completely failed to cover, nay deliberately obscured, the cases and meanwhile run smear pieces and other attacks. The Guardian has smeared fictitious cat shit on its own walls.
Assange is charged by the USA government on 18 counts, 17 under the draconian 1917 (as amended in 1961) Espionage Act which has never been challenged in the USA's Supreme Court. The other charge is under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) which has repeatedly been challenged by civil liberties groups such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Did you know that the FBI's star witness for the charge under the CFAA is a convicted fraudster and child molester who has recanted his testimony? This was revealed in the Icelandic publication Stundin over a year ago based on statements by the "star witness" himself.
Despite having read only the part of Maurizi's book, released by the publisher, and not having read any of Melzer's book, I have listened to hours of interviews with them both and have been following the cases for close to a decade. My recommendations and analysis are based on this research.
The Book
In "Secret Power: WikiLeaks and Its Enemies" Maurizi provides a first hand account of her interaction with WikiLeaks, its emergence, and the ensuing battles in which it was forced to engage in due to its constant publication of entirely true but confidential information. Stafania relates how she became aware of WikiLeaks and her turning point in recognizing the importance of cryptography in securing communications between journalists and their sources. She then speaks of the bravery that she saw in this new publisher, and how she made efforts to learn about them and get in touch with them. It all 'goes live' with a "dead of the night" telephone call from WikiLeaks requesting her assistance in verifying a piece of source material in 2009.
Indeed, the problem with WikiLeaks from the perspective of intelligence agencies which wish to used the media as a source of disinformation to achieve their objectives (see Sources) was that WikiLeaks would not fall for these tactics. WikiLeaks is the only news publisher with a 100% record of accuracy.
Maurizi and this writer share a rare background. We have both studied mathematics and cryptography. She is a journalist. I am merely an opinion writer following a career in Information Technology. IT professionals do share a commonality with journalists. Journalists wish to protect communications with sources from the prying eyes of the state. We IT people want to protect the data of the organization for which we work from usually less powerful prying eyes, but also protect that data from unauthorized modification or accidental destruction. While these are different objectives against different categories of threat actors, they end up involving very similar tools from the fields of cryptography and computer science and engineering.
Stefania's book is written as a political thriller, though it is non-fiction. Maurizi relates her own experience and cites articles and other publications to document her statements as one would expect of a journalist or an historian. Indeed, her book is very likely to be cited in academic articles on the history of the persecution of Assange and WikiLeaks as she is a first or second hand source depending on the interaction being described. Her referencing corroborates her descriptions of events as a second hand source.
[Image: from Stefania Maurizi’s Twitter feed. An image released by the book’s publisher, Pluto Press.]
The book is endorsed not only Ken Loach's forward but others such as John Pilger, Roger Waters, Daneil Ellsberg, and Nils Melzer. To have one's book endorsed by such a luminary as John Pilger must have been gratifying for Maurizi.
See Sources for a collection of links relating to the book, including a review and publisher details. Additional links are provided relating to Melzer's book and other references.
Endorsements of Maurizi's Book
The following is the complete list of endorsements for Stefania’s book in the order presented by the publisher:
'The vindictive hounding of Julian Assange by the US government deserves as wide an audience as possible. There is no journalist better placed to tell the story than Stefania Maurizi. This Italian journalist has been following the story of Assange and WikiLeaks closely for more than a decade and personally knows most of those involved. But what stands out is her sheer perseverance. Many journalists would have given up after her multiple requests under the Freedom of Information Act were largely rebuffed by governments in the UK, US, Sweden and Australia. But she proved dogged, engaging in what she describes as ‘trench warfare', taking them to court, the legal costs often paid for by her personally. Through this persistence, she uncovered lots of new information.
As well as being the most detailed account of the persecution of Julian Assange, Maurizi weaves in the stories of whistle-blowers such as Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden, making it one of the most comprehensive accounts yet of the battle between the national security apparatus and advocates of privacy and press freedom. It should be a must-read for all journalists. If Assange can be persecuted on the flimsy grounds exposed by Maurizi, then all journalists anywhere in the world who challenge the US are at risk.'
- Ewen MacAskill, Pulitzer Prize winner for Public Service 2014
'A rigorous, compelling and highly readable reconstruction of the WikiLeaks case. I highly recommend this work. No one conveys better the urgency of averting the extradition and prosecution of Assange'
- Daniel Ellsberg, US whistleblower who leaked the Pentagon Papers
'Maurizi's relentless, rigorous and courageous work has produced compelling evidence for the flagrant and deliberate illegality of Julian Assange's persecution. She has decisively contributed to my official investigation into the case as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture'
- Professor Nils Melzer, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture (2016-2022)
'Stefania Maurizi's book on the persecution of Julian Assange is the definitive text on this tragedy. To read it is to resist, it is a must read. Free Assange'
- Roger Waters, co-founder of Pink Floyd
'Stefania Maurizi's revelation of the role of the UK Crown Prosecution Service, then run by Keir Starmer, in the persecution of Julian Assange was a journalistic landmark. Her book is a lesson to all who expose the malign secrets of state power'
- John Pilger
'Heroic freedom-fighter or maverick controversialist - Assange is a polarising character. But we can all agree that the classified documents he published revealed much of the heinous barbarity of the post 9/11 US-led wars. This book is a passionate plea in Julian's defence. To extradite would send the message that no journalist or publisher is safe anywhere in the world'
- Kathy Lette, best-selling author and TV presenter
'Everything you think you know about this story is not what you think. Maurizi brilliantly tells the real story of what happened with WikiLeaks and the powers that went out to destroy it'
- John Goetz, Editor of Investigations at German State Broadcaster 'NDR'
'The best possible tribute to Julian Assange's sacrifice on behalf of Western citizens whose governments have been committing, in their name, crimes against humanity. Stefania Maurizi has sacrificed much to write this book, making it a book to read, behold and promote to anyone who cares about the truth'
- Yanis Varoufakis, Professor of Economics at the University of Athens
'An exceptional book by an exceptional journalist. Written like a political thriller, 'Secret Power' is not only one of the best accounts of the WikiLeaks revolution and the man behind it. It's also a deeply disturbing investigation into the military-intelligence complex and secret power determined to dismantle the last strongholds of democracy, namely freedom of the press'
- Srecko Horvat, philosopher and author of 'Poetry from the Future'
'The story of the aftermath of the biggest story in journalism in generations brilliantly laid out by Maurizi. A must read for everyone interested in finding out how democratic and free, the 'free and democratic west' indeed is.'
- Helgi Seljan, investigative journalist at 'Stundin'
'A gripping first-hand account of the Assange affair'
- Gavin Jones, senior Reuters correspondent in Rome
Overview of the Book
Again, as released by the publisher. The initial parenthetic words are mine:
[The Italian version of the book is the] *Winner of the European Award for Investigative And Judicial Journalism and Premio Alessandro Leogrande Award 2022*
'I want to live in a society where secret power is accountable to the law and to public opinion for its atrocities, where it is the war criminals who go to jail, not those who have the conscience and courage to expose them.'
It is 2008, and Stefania Maurizi, an investigative journalist with a growing interest in cryptography, starts looking into the little-known organisation WikiLeaks. Through hushed meetings, encrypted files and explosive documents, what she discovers sets her on a life-long journey that takes her deep into the realm of secret power.
Working closely with WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange and his organisation for her newspaper, Maurizi has spent over a decade investigating state criminality protected by thick layers of secrecy, while also embarking on a solitary trench warfare to unearth the facts underpinning the cruel persecution of Assange and WikiLeaks.
With complex and disturbing insights, Maurizi's tireless journalism exposes atrocities, the shameful treatment of Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden, on up to the present persecution of WikiLeaks: a terrifying web of impunity and cover-ups.
At the heart of the book is the brutality of secret power and the unbearable price paid by Julian Assange, WikiLeaks and truthtellers.
Review
Declassified UK has published a review of the book by Owen Bowcott, also published by Consortium News.
“Look Inside”: a Part of the First Chapter
The pdf is available from the publisher. It provides a first part of the first chapter. One gains a feeling for the style of writing. This author found the reading engaging. A few events which were unknown to the author regarding Stefania's background and initial engagement with WikiLeaks were also learned.
Understanding the Assange and WikiLeaks Persecution
If one has not been studying the case of Assange and WikiLeaks for 9 years and one wishes to obtain a detailed understanding of its history there would seem to be two core books. Stefania's recent book provides a deep history and a first hand account from the perspective of a journalist who has worked with WikiLeaks from 2009.
The second book is that by UN Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer "The Trial of Julian Assange: A Story of Persecution". Melzer's book focuses on the man and the legal abuse applied in the courts against him and the role of four countries,USA, UK, Sweden and Australia in facilitating this abuse.
[Image: the cover of Nils Melzer’s book.]
The two combined should provide a full landscape of understanding. Melzer, as noted above, has endorsed Maurizi’s book.
Those wishing to own a copy of either or both of these books can deal with the publishers directly, or perhaps contact their local independent book store. Those merely wishing to read may wish to befriend their local library and encourage them to obtain a copy or three. Lastly, efforts like Project Guttenberg or The Internet Archive may make digital versions available.
There is, however, no substitute for a physical book for reading. A reading of this book by Stefania Maurizi would seem to be both informative and enjoyable if the released section is a guide.
I can’t wait to set my eyes upon a physical copy of it.
Sources
General
Key witness in Assange case admits to lies in indictment, Bjartmar Oddur Þeyr Alexandersson and Gunnar Hrafn Jónsson, Stundin, 2021-06-26
The Internet's Own Boy The story of Aaron Swartz Full Documentary Anonymous, uploaded by Maria Villarreal, uploaded 2016-08-03
This reference is added for the audio version of the article.
Stefania Maurizi
Secret Power, WikiLeaks and Its Enemies, Pluto Books, no date
SECRET POWER: THE WAR ON WIKILEAKS, Owen Bowcott, Declassified UK, 2022-11-01
The above is a review of Maurizi’s book.
Reporter hails work of Julian Assange, WikiLeaks in new book, Usaid Siddiqui interviews Stefania Maurizi on the book, Al Jazeera, 2022-11-04
Al Jazeera published the text of an interview with Maurizi.
Book Release: ‘Secret Power: WikiLeaks and its Enemies’, Press Release, AssangeDefense, 2022-11-02
Does WikiLeaks matter?, The Real Story, BBC, 2019-05
The above was obtained from a recent tweet by Stafania Maurizi.
UK Authorizes Julian Assange's Extradition: Interview With Italian Journalist Stefania Maurizi, Kevin Gosztola interviews Stefania Maurizi, Shadowproof, 2022-07-17
Nils Melzer
The Trial of Julian Assange, A Story of Persecution, by Nils Melzer, Verso Books, 2022-02
Book release: ‘The Trial of Julian Assange’, AssangeDefence, 2022-02-08
The trial of Julian Assange, "The Take" podcast, Al Jazeera, 2022-01-26
Nils Melzer – The Trial of Julian Assange | Foreign Press Association, Foreign Press Association (also published by AcTVism Munich), 2022-02-19
‘UK EXECUTIVE IS WINING AND DINING WITH PEOPLE PLOTTING THE ASSASSINATION OF MY HUSBAND’, Matt Kennard interviews Stella Assange, Declassified UK, 2022-11-10
Stand-ups for Assange - Stefania Maurizi Book Signing - Tribute to Tabbard Inn Founder Fritzi Cohen, Stefania Maurizi discusses her book, CN Live, 2023-01-20
Related Articles from this Newsletter
A sample of related articles from this newsletter:
Persecution of Assange : Dancing with the Cypherpunks, 2021-10-30
Persecution of Assange: Media Analysis, 2021-10-28
Assange Protests: Wish You Were Here, 2022-10-08
Assange Legal Battle Moves to New York: The 4th Amendment Is Still On the Books, 2022-08-17
Links and Readership
I note again the discernment of this newsletter’s readership. The most commonly accessed links are to the post by Edward Snowden exposing the behaviour of USA intelligence agencies regarding media, the review of Maurizi’s book at Declassified UK and the Stundin article exposing the failure of the FBI and the DoJ in the CPAA accusation against Assange.
I remain wholly impressed by the perception of this newsletter’s readership.
Culture
Nirvana - Come As You Are (Official Music Video), Nirvana from their 1991 album Nevermind, published by Vevo, uploaded to youtube 2009-06-16
As usual, ignore the graphics, listen to the music.
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