A federal judge in Virginia appeared reluctant Tuesday to grant a request to unseal a criminal complaint against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, emphasizing the « compelling interest » the government has in keeping such matters under wraps until he is arrested, should that happen.
Brinkema said that under normal circumstances, there would be no question that the public has a right to see a complaint, but noted that right doesn’t accrue until someone has been publicly charged and emphasized the « sound reasons » complaints are not unsealed earlier — highlighting the fact that before that time, a suspect could possibly destroy evidence or evade arrest.
