Biden Urged by 18 Organizations and Australian Leaders to Pardon Julian Assange Before Leaving Office

Jan 19, 2025, 07:47 PM

Eighteen constitutional rights organizations have urged President Biden to pardon Julian Assange before the end of his term. Australian leaders have also called for the pardon, emphasizing that the prosecution sets a dangerous precedent by allowing the United States to use domestic laws, specifically the Espionage Act, against non-U.S. citizens engaged in journalism. Critics argue that Biden's administration, by securing a guilty plea from Assange, has inadvertently provided former President Trump with tools to undermine press freedom. They assert that Biden must act quickly to mitigate potential harm to journalism, especially before Trump potentially utilizes the Espionage Act. The urgency of the situation is underscored by comments from various advocates, including members of Congress, who warn that the precedent established by Assange's case could be exploited by future administrations.