WikiLeaks founder calls for UCalgary prof’s arrest

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange lashed out at Stephen Harper’s former adviser and University of Calgary political scientist Tom Flanagan on Friday after Flanagan suggested Assange should be assassinated. During an online Q&A with readers of The Guardian, Assange riposted that Flanagan should be charged with “incitement to commit murder.” Flanagan has since said the remark was “glib” and that he “never seriously intended to advocate or propose the assassination of Mr. Assange.” While conceding it is very unlikely the political science professor would be charged under Canada’s criminal code, NDP MP Joe Comartin suggested the government should repudiate Flanagan’s comments. The Conservatives have instead sought to distance themselves from Flanagan, insisting he no longer serves the prime minister. Meanwhile, Flanagan’s current employer, the University of Calgary, has said it is “not considering any disciplinary action.”