What if someone releases information that reveals a plan that would endanger the security of the nation by those trying to hide it? What's the origin and intent behind the issue of free speech? If someone is lying to the general public and someone else can reveal how they are, the person lying has an interest in making sure their lie or any other treachery is not revealed.
My feeling is there should be not carte blanche for any side of this coin to proceed without accountability. Just because something is deemed to be classified information does not mean it is in the interest of the security of the nation. It might just as easily be in the interest of those doing things most of the population of the nation would deem unscrupulous and a threat to them from within.
Not sure how you balance the two, but I wouldn't necesarily jump right in and say all revealing of classified information is all evil and a threat to national security, all information that is classified has the nation's interest or security in mind.
As individuals, who wouldn't feel embarassed or angry to have something they did that was unscrupulous revealed and want to kill the messenger? Those harmed by any unscrupulous acts would probably be interested to know who harmed them, how and why.
I guess I would say it is not a one way street, perhaps why my parents stressed that keeping secrets was not a recommended idea.
If you don't want someone to find out you have done something, don't do that something.
Certainly I understand there are some things which create a dilemma with regard to what harm might be caused by revealing them versus what harm might be harmed by not revealing them or "secrets" which are pretty much benign and harmful regardless of whether revealed or not, such as a surprise party for someone.
If one is going to be prosecuted for violating international laws about revealing information, if the information revealed international laws were broken, those who broke them should also be held accountble for their actions.
