Republicans Just Leaked Classified FBI Intelligence In Attempt to Smear Hillary

In a stunning showing of that potent mixture of arrogance and stupidity, Republicans in the House of Representatives have been leaking classified information about Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s emails which they received from the FBI. To take such an action is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Each and every member of the House who participated should be indicted and prosecuted for this dangerous ploy to score cheap political points.

Republicans have been at the helm of a failed witch hunt about Clinton’s emails for over a year, and the FBI fully exonerated Clinton for having committed no crimes. Not content to quit while they were behind, Republicans requested the FBI make available their notes from their interviews with Clinton — and that material was given to them without a fight.

Almost immediately after receiving the information, Republicans began leaking the classified material, and Clinton’s campaign swiftly called foul. Clinton’s campaign Chair John Podesta Tweeted what we already knew the despicable Republicans would do once they received the information they so greedily requested:

Already hearing from people who have been contacted by reporters with knowledge of the content of their interviews in FBI 302’s. (1/2)

— John Podesta (@johnpodesta) August 17, 2016

Tough protocols on access to FBI’s 302’s must have included Republican speed dial to reporters. (2/2)

— John Podesta (@johnpodesta) August 17, 2016

Clinton’s campaign Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri took to twitter to warn Republicans:

Would remind all that this material is classified. So this is leaking of classified material. https://t.co/eNerBad3fp

— Jennifer Palmieri (@jmpalmieri) August 17, 2016

House Republicans have undoubtedly broken 18 U.S. Code 798 – Disclosure of classified information. While the law is broad in its scope, covering the disclosure of intelligence cryptography and ciphers, the law also explicitly states under section 3:

(a) Whoever knowingly and willfully communicates, furnishes, transmits, or otherwise makes available to an unauthorized person, or publishes, or uses in any manner prejudicial to the safety or interest of the United States or for the benefit of any foreign government to the detriment of the United States any classified information.

(3) concerning the communication intelligence activities of the United States or any foreign government;

Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

Hillary Clinton’s emails when she was Secretary of State are squarely part of communication intelligence activities. For the rule of law to have any weight in the United States it must be enforced evenly and blindly. Let the Republican House face its own investigation into the leaking of classified information. Let them stand trial in a court of law and prove their innocence, of which they will be unable to do.

Lou Colagiovanni

Lou Colagiovanni is an investigative journalist living in Las Vegas who specializes in politics and crime. His work has been highlighted all over the world and he is regularly featured on television and radio.