Although FBI agents and Justice Department lawyers continue to build their case in the event that they are able to charge WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with conspiracy, it is becoming more apparent that the case will be difficult, if not impossible, to make, government officials told the Wall Street Journal.
Federal officials have been working to find evidence that Assange induced Army Pfc. Bradley Manning to leak documents to his website. However, it appears that Manning handed over the data to WikiLeaks and initiated the theft himself, officials told the Journal. The Defense Department disputes this theory and claims Assange took advantage of Manning.
To charge Assange with conspiracy, DOJ lawyers would have to have evidence that shows he specifically encouraged Manning to hand over the documents.
However, there has been little evidence linking Manning and Assange, making the case more difficult, the Journal reported. Evidence has been uncovered that links Manning with others affiliated with WikiLeaks.
