Biden considering Australia’s request to drop prosecution of Wikileaks founder Assange

President Joe Biden has indicated that he is considering a request from Australia to drop the longstanding U.S. pursuit of prosecuting Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. The Australian government has persistently urged the U.S. to halt its legal action against Assange, an Australian citizen currently battling extradition from the UK. When asked about Australia's request during an official visit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Biden responded, "We're considering it."

Assange, 52, faces 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse stemming from Wikileaks' publication of classified U.S. documents nearly 15 years ago. U.S. prosecutors allege that Assange facilitated the theft of diplomatic cables and military files by U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, endangering lives. Australia has raised concerns about the disparity in treatment between Assange and Manning, citing former President Barack Obama's commutation of Manning's sentence.

Supporters of Assange argue that he is a journalist protected by the First Amendment, who exposed misconduct by the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan. Assange's wife, Stella Assange, has spoken out about his deteriorating health in prison and expressed fear that he may die behind bars.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Biden's remarks on Assange, emphasizing that Assange has already paid a significant price and calling for an end to his continued incarceration. WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson echoed this sentiment, urging Biden to drop the charges against Assange and recognize the importance of press freedom.

A recent ruling by a British court determined that Assange cannot be extradited to the U.S. on espionage charges unless U.S. authorities provide assurances that he will not face the death penalty. This development adds further complexity to Assange's legal battle and underscores the ongoing international debate surrounding his prosecution.

11.04.24

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