Home Global News President Joe Biden Mulls Ending Prosecution of Julian Assange Following Australian Appeal...

President Joe Biden Mulls Ending Prosecution of Julian Assange Following Australian Appeal to Drop WikiLeaks Founder’s Case

0

US President Joe Biden has revealed he’s considering ending the prosecution of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

Back in February, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese requested that the years-long prosecution of Assange be ended and that he be returned to his native Australia.

We’re considering it,’ Biden told reporters when asked about Assange as he walked with Kishida along the colonnade of the White House after Wednesday’s welcome ceremony on the South Lawn.

Biden is hosting a fellow member of the Quad, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, at the White House for an official state visit.

Assange is in custody in the United Kingdom. Thursday will mark five years since Assange has been in British custody.

Assange is facing espionage charges in the United States after his 2010 publication of classified United States Army intelligence material, including footage of U.S. airstrikes in Baghdad, diplomatic cables, and classified communications from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

One video showed a U.S. military helicopter killing civilians in Baghdad including two Reuters journalists, mistaking camera equipment for weapons.

Wikileaks was provided the information by former U.S. Army intelligence officer Chelsea Manning, who initially was sentenced to 35 years in prison, but was released in 2017 when President Barack Obama commuted her sentence.

Biden, then the vice president, referred to Assange as a ‘high-tech terrorist’ in a December 2010 interview on Meet the Press.

Assange was first arrested in London in 2010 as he was wanted for questioning by the Swedish, accused by two women of rape and sexual assault.

In 2012, he was granted political amnesty at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London and stayed there – essentially imprisoned in the house – until 2019, when the Ecuadorians revoked his amnesty.

At that time, members of the London Metropolitan Police entered the residence and arrested Assange.

He was charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusion related to his involvement with Manning, a 2018 charge that had previously been unsealed.

The Department of Justice added 17 espionage charges to the case in May 2018.

The charges carried a maximum sentence of 170 years in prison.

And in June 2020 a grand jury expanded the indictment of Assange, alleging he recruited and conspired with hackers to get information for Wikileaks.

Since then, Assange and his legal team have fought efforts to have him extradited to the U.S. to face these charges.

Facebook Comments Box
Previous articleEx-Manchester United Star Wes Brown Declares Bankruptcy, Citing Lack of ‘Right People’ in His Circle
Next articleMultiple Individuals Shot at Philadelphia Event Commemorating End of Ramadan
Monte OZ
Monte OZ is a highly accomplished and respected international freelance journalist, travel and active adventure reporter, and leading entertainment & lifestyle blogger based in Africa. With a passion for storytelling, a sense of adventure, and an eye for all things captivating, Monte has become a prominent figure in the world of travel, entertainment, and lifestyle journalism. Born and raised in Africa, Monte developed a deep appreciation for the continent's diverse cultures, rich heritage, and vibrant entertainment scene. His upbringing fueled his desire to share Africa's untold stories and showcase its dynamic lifestyle to a global audience. Monte's extensive experience and expertise have made him a sought-after authority on all things related to travel, adventure, entertainment, and lifestyle in Africa. As an international freelance journalist, Monte has made significant contributions to various prestigious publications worldwide. His captivating articles, insightful interviews, and engaging features have graced the pages of leading entertainment magazines, lifestyle publications, and reputable news outlets. Monte's unique ability to capture the essence of Africa's entertainment and lifestyle scene has garnered widespread acclaim and recognition. With a love for exploration and a thirst for adrenaline, Monte also thrives as an active adventure reporter. He has embarked on daring expeditions, immersing himself in Africa's wild landscapes, and documenting his adrenaline-pumping experiences. Whether it's conquering treacherous peaks, exploring remote jungles, or engaging in heart-pounding activities, Monte's adventurous spirit and daring escapades inspire readers to embrace their own sense of adventure. In addition to his work in journalism and adventure reporting, Monte is a leading entertainment & lifestyle blogger in Africa. Through his influential blog, he offers readers an insider's view of the continent's vibrant entertainment scene, trendy hotspots, fashion trends, culinary delights, and cultural experiences. Monte's unique blend of storytelling, personal insights, and expert recommendations has made his blog a go-to resource for entertainment and lifestyle enthusiasts seeking the pulse of Africa's dynamic culture. Beyond his professional pursuits, Monte is a passionate advocate for promoting Africa's talent, creativity, and cultural diversity. He actively supports and champions emerging artists, musicians, designers, and entrepreneurs, helping to showcase their work to a broader audience. Monte's dedication to promoting Africa's vibrant entertainment and lifestyle industry has positioned him as a respected influencer and tastemaker within the African and global entertainment communities. With a commitment to excellence, a passion for exploration, and a talent for captivating storytelling, Monte Oz continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As an international freelance journalist, travel and active adventure reporter, and leading entertainment & lifestyle blogger, his work has left an indelible mark on the world of journalism, travel, and entertainment, solidifying his position as a trusted authority and go-to resource for all things related to African travel, adventure, and lifestyle.