Public statements by President Biden or White House press releases

Biden May Dismiss Assange Case; U.S. Denies Him First Amendment Rights

Apr 16, 2024, 03:48 PM

Following an Australian request, President Biden indicated the U.S. might consider dismissing the case against Julian Assange. Assange's legal team, including his lawyer Jen Robinson and his brother Gabriel Shipton, addressed the public in response to this development. The International Federation of Journalists and the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who stated 'enough is enough', have called for Assange's immediate release, condemning his prolonged detention as politically motivated. Assange's wife has also publicly urged President Biden to 'do the right thing'. The U.S. government, however, has stated that Assange, being a non-citizen, does not have First Amendment protections and has only provided standard assurances against the death penalty. This stance has raised concerns about Assange potentially facing life imprisonment in the U.S. without adequate legal protections.