No proof that Assange encouraged leaks, says WikiLeaks

Washington/London, Feb.10 (ANI): Investigators in the United States are believed to have failed to find evidence to go ahead with the prosecution of Julian Assange, the head of the whistle-blowing WikiLeaks, for encouraging the leak of secret government documents.

Furious officials and US Congressmen have called for Assange to be tried for "inducing" the disclosure of diplomatic cables by Bradley Manning, a US army private.

Manning, 23, is being held at a military base in Virginia on suspicion of leaking the official secrets, which have been reported by The Daily Telegraph.

However, lawyers for the FBI and the US Department of Justice have not found evidence that Assange told Manning to hand WikiLeaks the files, according to reports.

They may be forced to try to prosecute the WikiLeaks chief for conspiracy, a case that would be harder to prove and at odds with their statements that Assange took advantage of the young soldier.

It is thought the investigators found no evidence linking Assange directly with Manning. He has maintained that he had no communication with the soldier. (ANI)