Possible Plea Deal

In a significant development, preliminary discussions between Julian Assange’s legal team and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have brought forward the possibility of a plea deal that could end Assange’s prolonged legal battle. Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been fighting extradition to the U.S. from the United Kingdom, where he faces 18 charges related to the publication of classified U.S. documents in 2010.

According to reports, the proposed deal would allow Assange to plead guilty to a lesser charge of mishandling classified information, potentially reducing his sentence and possibly allowing him to serve his remaining time in an Australian prison. This development was hinted at by U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, who suggested that a resolution could be reached, although she emphasized that the matter lies in the hands of the Justice Department​.

Assange’s legal team, however, remains cautious. They have stated that they have received no clear indication from the DOJ that a deal is imminent or that the charges will be resolved in this manner. Assange’s lawyer, Barry Pollack, noted that while discussions have taken place, the outcome remains uncertain, and the Justice Department continues to pursue extradition vigorously.

The potential plea deal has sparked reactions from various quarters. Supporters of Assange argue that his prosecution is a threat to press freedom and an act of political persecution, particularly given the nature of the documents published by WikiLeaks, which exposed U.S. military actions and diplomatic activities. Critics, however, maintain that Assange’s actions endangered lives and compromised national security.

 

The plea deal, if it materializes, could mark a significant turning point in this long-running saga, potentially allowing Assange to avoid the harshest penalties while addressing the U.S. government’s concerns about the handling of classified information.

UPDATE: The Associated Press reports that Assange left London today on a chartered plane with his wife and landed in Bangkok. He has also reportedly taken off from Bangkok and is en route to Saipan, part of an American Territory and the largest island in the Northern Mariana Islands. He is expected to appear in court in Saipan on Wednesday.

**This is a rapidly developing story. SOFREP will keep track of developments and add updates as appropriate. 

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