US President Joe Biden has acknowledged Australia’s request to consider dropping espionage charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Biden made this statement during a press interaction at the White House on Wednesday, responding to inquiries regarding Australia’s motion urging an end to Assange’s prosecution. The motion, supported by the Australian prime minister, was passed in February, seeking resolution to Assange’s prolonged legal battle. Biden’s response, delivered during a walk with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, indicated a contemplative stance without further elaboration.
Assange, an Australian citizen, has been under British custody since 2019, contesting extradition to the United States. The US government has indicted him over his involvement in the 2010 disclosure of classified documents related to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. If convicted, Assange faces a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison. In reaction to Biden’s remarks, Assange’s wife, Stella, urged authorities to drop the charges via a social media platform.
Supporters of Assange argue that his actions were in the public interest, exposing military misconduct, and advocate for his release as a symbol of press freedom. Conversely, US authorities contend that Assange’s disclosures endangered lives by revealing sensitive information, including intelligence sources. Assange’s fate remains uncertain pending the outcome of his extradition appeal, with a decision expected on May 20.
Amid ongoing legal proceedings, WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson has called for a political resolution to Assange’s predicament. He emphasized Assange’s harsh treatment in the high-security Belmarsh Prison and urged Australian intervention, suggesting a connection to the AUKUS security pact as leverage for Assange’s release.
Assange’s detention has sparked global demonstrations, with further protests anticipated. Various advocacy groups have condemned his prosecution under the Espionage Act, denoting it as a threat to journalistic freedom.
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