Stella Assange, wife of imprisoned WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, finds optimism in US President Joe Biden's contemplation of dropping the prosecution charges against her husband. Speaking on Thursday, Stella expressed concern over Julian's deteriorating health and the looming threat of extradition to the United States, where he faces up to 175 years in prison.
When asked about Australia's plea to drop Assange's prosecution, Biden responded, "We're considering it." This development follows Australia's parliamentary motion in February, supported by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, advocating for Assange's release. Albanese emphasized Australia's national interests, urging for a resolution to Assange's prolonged legal battle.
Expressing hope for a favorable outcome, Stella Assange urged Biden to heed the calls of the human rights and press freedom communities and dismiss the case against her husband. Julian Assange, an Australian citizen, has been detained in Britain since 2019, contesting extradition to the United States over allegations of obtaining and disclosing classified military and diplomatic documents.
Currently held at the high-security Belmarsh Prison in London, Assange awaits a crucial decision on his extradition appeal, with a hearing scheduled for May 20. His ordeal began in 2010 with WikiLeaks' release of classified files, including those provided by Chelsea Manning, shedding light on US military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Assange's prosecution has sparked widespread criticism from press freedom and human rights advocates, who argue that he is being targeted for exposing alleged atrocities committed by the US military. As Assange's legal battle unfolds, hope emerges for a potential resolution to his years-long ordeal.
