Julian Assange’s Family Responds to Biden’s Hint of U.S. Dropping Case

Five years after Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, was first imprisoned in a high-security facility in Britain while fighting a United States extradition request, there is new hope on the horizon. The Biden administration has given the clearest signal to date that it might drop its prosecution of him.

Mr. Assange’s wife, Stella Assange, expressed cautious optimism in a recent interview, acknowledging the critical moment her husband’s extradition case has reached. She stated, “It’s been five years, and he’s at the closest he’s ever been to extradition now. Obviously with a comment like this from the president, it’s a good sign and we receive it with hope. But, you know, that doesn’t stop us from dreading the worst.”

President Biden’s recent statement in response to a request from Australia, Mr. Assange’s home country, that he be allowed to return there, has sparked speculation. When asked about the request, President Biden replied, “We’re considering it.” This response has raised the possibility that the United States may no longer pursue Mr. Assange on charges under the Espionage Act.

The timing of President Biden’s statement is significant, as it comes just days before a deadline in the British court hearings on Mr. Assange’s extradition. If Washington provides the necessary assurances, including protection of his First Amendment rights and assurance against the death penalty, a further hearing is scheduled in London for May 20 to decide Mr. Assange’s fate.

Advocates for press freedom, such as Rebecca Vincent of Reporters Without Borders, have called for Mr. Assange’s release. She emphasized that no matter one’s opinion of Assange, five years in prison without being convicted of a crime is more than enough. She stated, “No one should face such treatment for publishing information in the public interest.”

As the case unfolds, there is hope that a resolution may be reached that involves Julian Assange’s immediate release with no further time to be served in prison. The outcome of this high-profile case could have far-reaching implications for press freedom and the protection of whistleblowers. Stay tuned as the story continues to develop.