WikiLeaks’ Assange hits back at senator’s calls for his imprisonment
WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange has hit back at Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse’s statement that Assange is “an enemy of the American” and should be imprisoned.
“I will not take fashion advice from the likes of Senator Sasse,” Assange tweeted Monday, linking to the senator’s statement about the latest WikiLeaks revelations.
I will not take fashion advice from the likes of Senator Sasse. #CIA#Vault7https://t.co/lVcgwllydupic.twitter.com/g7nOdoYhbm
— Julian Assange (@JulianAssange) March 13, 2017
Assange later tweeted photographs of himself and of Sasse with a cat, with the latter’s feline looking less than comfortable.
“You can't hide who you are from an animal. On the left political prisoner @JulianAssange On the right fashion advisor Senator @BenSasse,” Assange wrote.
You can't hide who you are from an animal.
— Julian Assange (@JulianAssange) March 13, 2017
On the left political prisoner @JulianAssange
On the right fashion advisor Senator @BenSassepic.twitter.com/g6OovDtWtN
The Nebraska senator released a statement about Assange’s press conference on the CIA #Vault7 documents released by WikiLeaks last week, and called for the WikiLeaks founder to spend his life in prison, in an “orange jumpsuit.”
Julian Assange should spend the rest of his life wearing an orange jumpsuit. This is why: https://t.co/jEPlpd2Krvpic.twitter.com/Zj81vZy0vt
— Senator Ben Sasse (@SenSasse) March 9, 2017
“It is imprudent to comment on the particulars of these leaks but this is dead certain: Julian Assange should spend the rest of his life wearing an orange jumpsuit. He’s an enemy of the American people and an ally to Vladimir Putin,” Sasse said on Thursday.
“Mr. Assange has dedicated his life’s work to endangering innocent lives, abetting despots, and stoking a crisis of confidence in the West.”
@JulianAssange orange wouldn't suit you anyway!!
— Lucia Huber (@lhuberm) March 13, 2017
@JulianAssange Look at you, Julian ... getting sassy with Sasse.
— Gil (@GilChgoPI) March 13, 2017
@wikileaks Ben Sasse and his friends in DC belong in orange jumpsuits
— KevJames (@KevJames91) March 13, 2017
Assange’s tweet was met with appreciation from his supporters, who commended his use of sass against Sasse. The WikiLeaks editor set up his Twitter account in February and has tweeted 77 times since then.
@JulianAssangepic.twitter.com/oBojTA5QF8
— Patriotic Rosie (@almostjingo) March 13, 2017
@JulianAssange Many Americans appreciate and support your sacrifices.We love you and are praying for you !
— Ken Carter (@kenacarter58) March 13, 2017
@JulianAssangepic.twitter.com/RSYwHtm7Qo
— Halcion (@Iaissezfaire) March 13, 2017
@JulianAssange Dude ... You should be in swim trunks on a beach... pic.twitter.com/hpnINqUMmz
— Charles R. Smith (@softwarnet) March 13, 2017
Sasse is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which provides legislative oversight of the nation’s military. On Saturday, he tweeted that he had experienced hacking attempts since criticizing Assange and WikiLeaks, but was called a “conspiracy theorist” by fellow Twitter users.
Heads-up...
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) March 11, 2017
I've been critical of Assange & WikLeaks this week.
So...big surprise:
Am having multiple "password reset" attempts right now.
So...if you see crazy-tweets from me tonight, don't assume #HeavyBooze... https://t.co/J53RJWT9Hj
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) March 11, 2017
Conspiracy theorist @BenSasse acts as if it's unusual for people to try resetting his password. Happens often to every public figure. pic.twitter.com/tTtgVJTnhy
— Mike Cernovich 🇺🇸 (@Cernovich) March 12, 2017
Sasse also sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions questioning whether the Trump administration was pursuing Assange’s prosecution “aggressively” enough.
The senator expressed amazement at having to ask the question, given “Assange’s website is a known outlet for foreign propaganda and in light of Mr. Assange’s history of recklessly endangering the lives of Americans through his illegal disclosures.”