Setting aside whether I think it's likely Assange is a Russian agent, it wouldn't surprise me to see an agent of a nation thrown under the bus for political rea

Setting aside whether I think it's likely Assange is a Russian agent, it wouldn't surprise me to see an agent of a nation thrown under the bus for political reasons or to support a narrative. For an example, see Valerie Plame. Fun fact, as I was looking this up to make sure I had the right people and names, wikipedia helpfully informed me that "The scandal led to a criminal investigation; no one was charged for the leak itself. Scooter Libby was convicted of lying to investigators. His prison sentence was ultimately commuted by President Bush, and he was pardoned by President Trump in 2018." More fuel for the conspiracy minded, I guess. ;)