US reportedly considering plea deal offer for Julian Assange
US government considering plea deal for Julian Assange, facing Espionage Act charges.
- Bilawal Riaz
- 1 min read
The US government is considering offering Julian Assange a plea deal, where he would admit to a misdemeanor instead of facing 18 charges under the Espionage Act. If he accepts, he could be free after spending five years in UK custody. However, Assange’s lawyers claim they have not been notified of any change in the US prosecution’s strategy. The UK high court is expected to soon decide on Assange’s further right to appeal his extradition to the US. If denied, his last option would be the European Court of Human Rights. The Biden administration could face political challenges if Assange is extradited, given concerns over press freedom and implications for the previous decision by the Obama administration not to charge him.