US and France 'acting like China' over WikiLeaks

Press freedom campaign group Reporters Without Borders has condemned the blocking, cyber-attacks and political pressure being directed at WikiLeaks over its publication of the US embassy cables.

RWB says WikiLeaks has a right under the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment to publish the documents and says it is playing a useful role by making them available to journalists and the greater public.

RWB added: "This is the first time we have seen an attempt at the international community level to censor a website dedicated to the principle of transparency. We are shocked to find countries such as France and the United States suddenly bringing their policies on freedom of expression into line with those of China. We point out that in France and the United States, it is up to the courts, not politicians, to decide whether or not a website should be closed."

• RWB has in the past criticised WikiLeaks. In August, it published an open letter to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange accusing him of "incredible irresponsibility" and "endangering the future of the internet as an information medium" by publishing the Afghan War Logs.