For years, Australia has called on the US to drop its prosecution against Assange, an Australian citizen who has fought US extradition efforts from prison in the UK. Biden, when asked about the request yesterday as he hosted the Japanese prime minister, Fumio Kishida, for an official visit, said: "We're considering it."
Biden's comment is the latest indication that his administration may have paled at the thought of putting Assange on trial, which could prove politically toxic in an election year.
Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Biden administration was exploring the possibility of allowing the WikiLeaks founder to cut a plea deal that would see him admit to a misdemeanor offence of mishandling classified documents in return for an early release. The latest flurry fell on the eve of the fifth anniversary of Assange's incarceration in Belmarsh prison in London. Pressure has been mounting on the US government from Australia and around the world in recent weeks.
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin April 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin April 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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