WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has reached a plea agreement with the Biden administration that will allow him to avoid imprisonment in the United States. According to newly filed federal court documents, Assange has agreed to plead guilty to a felony charge related to his alleged involvement in one of the largest breaches of classified US government material.
Plea Deal Details
Under the terms of the agreement, Justice Department prosecutors will seek a 62-month sentence. This duration matches the time Assange has already served in a high-security prison in London while contesting extradition to the US. With this plea deal, Assange will receive credit for the time served, enabling his immediate return to Australia, his home country.
However, the plea deal still requires approval from a federal judge before it can be finalized.
Background on Charges
Assange faced an 18-count indictment from 2019 for his alleged role in the breach, which carried a potential maximum sentence of up to 175 years in prison, although it was unlikely he would have received the full sentence. The US pursued Assange for publishing confidential military records provided by former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in 2010 and 2011.
US officials accused Assange of encouraging Manning to acquire thousands of pages of unfiltered US diplomatic cables, significant activity reports related to the Iraq War, and information about Guantanamo Bay detainees. These publications allegedly endangered confidential sources and sensitive military operations.
Diplomatic Efforts and Opposition
In recent months, President Joe Biden has hinted at a potential deal, influenced by appeals from Australian government officials seeking Assange’s return to Australia. Despite opposition from FBI and Justice Department officials, who insisted on a felony guilty plea, a compromise was reached to facilitate Assange’s release.
Legal Battles
Last month, a UK court ruled in favor of Assange’s right to appeal his final challenge against extradition to the US, marking a significant victory in his long-standing legal battle to avoid prosecution in the United States for his alleged crimes.
Assange’s plea deal marks a pivotal moment in a saga that has spanned over a decade. With the agreement now pending judicial approval, Assange is on the brink of concluding his prolonged legal and diplomatic ordeal, ready to return to his homeland.
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