Lieberman: NYT's Publishing of Leaks Criminal

U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman says The New York Times may have committed a crime by publishing government documents from WikiLeaks, and he has asked that the Justice Department investigate, according to a report by The Hill.

"To me, New York Times has committed at least an act of bad citizenship. And whether they've committed a crime, I think that bears very intensive inquiry by the Justice Department," said Lieberman, a Connecticut independent who caucuses with the Democrats.

The lawmaker told Fox News that he wonders why WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has not been charged with treason.

“I don’t understand why that hasn’t happened yet. It sure looks to me on the facts that Mr. Assange and WikiLeaks have. He ought to be indicted and then we can ask the authorities in England to extradite him to the United States.

“I think it’s the most serious violation of the Espionage Act in our history, and the consequences globally that have occurred," he said.

He further advised that permitting WikiLeaks to walk could encourage more leaking of classified materials in the future.

"And, again, why do you prosecute crimes? Because if you don't, well, first you do because that's what our system of justice requires. Second, if you don't prosecute people who commit crimes, others are going to do it soon and again. And I'm afraid that's what's going to happen here."