“Due to the investigation into the Secret Service involvement with #AaronSwartz we have decided to disclose the following facts,” said WikiLeaks. In three tweets it then disclosed, “Aaron Swartz assisted WikiLeaks. Aaron Swartz was in communication with Julian Assange, including during 2010 and 2011. We have strong reasons to believe, but cannot prove, that Aaron Swartz was a WikiLeaks source.”
Even though this is a post-mortem declaration, this is a direct contravention of WikiLeaks' stated policy of anonymity for contributors. According to its website, “We cannot provide details about the security of our media organization or its anonymous drop box for sources because to do so would help those who would like to compromise the security of our organization and its sources.”
Supporters of Swartz will not be surprised that a leading freedom of information activist might be involved with an organization promoting freedom of information. But on the surface, this WikiLeaks announcement merely gives added ‘justification’ to the prosecution of Swartz by the US authorities, and is likely to lessen the public outrage at Swartz’ suicide.
In fact, it appears quite likely that the Secret Service was already aware of such a connection. According to the Empty Wheel website, the US Secret Service took over the investigation that led to Swartz’ arrest on January 4 2011, some six months before his arrest on July 19. It is unlikely that the Secret Service would become involved in a case that merely involved downloading academic papers, and involvement with long-term target WikiLeaks would be justification.
“The involvement of the Secret Service just as it evolved from a local breaking and entry case into the excessive charges ultimately charged makes it clear that this was a nationally directed effort to take down Swartz,” comments Empty Wheel.
Clearly there is more to emerge from the Swartz case. The WikiLeaks disclosure may be aimed at taking the sting out of future revelations, or specifically pointing the finger at Secret Service practices.