April 11, 2024
1 min read

Australian PM Backs US Review on WikiLeaks Founder

Albanese expressed encouragement after Biden’s remark in Washington that the US is mulling over Australia’s request to drop the charges against Assange…reports Asian Lite News

 Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday welcomed news that US President Joe Biden is considering a request to drop the prosecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Albanese expressed encouragement after Biden’s remark in Washington that the US is mulling over Australia’s request to drop the charges against Assange for the release of confidential records in 2010, Xinhua news agency reported.

“I believe this must be brought to a conclusion and that Mr. Assange has already paid a significant price and enough is enough,” Albanese told state media Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) television.

“There’s nothing to be gained by Mr. Assange’s continued incarceration, in my very strong view.”

An Australian citizen who founded WikiLeaks in Australia in 2006, Assange is currently trying to appeal his extradition from the UK to the US to face trial for the 2010 leaks.

The UK High Court in March asked the US for assurances that Assange would have a fair trial and not face the death penalty if convicted before making a final decision in May on whether he can appeal the extradition order.

Albanese in February supported a motion raised in the federal parliament by independent MP Andrew Wilkie calling for Assange’s return to Australia.

Wilkie was among a delegation of MPs who in September traveled to Washington where they urged politicians and officials to abandon extradition efforts for Assange.

On Thursday, Wilkie told ABC radio that Biden’s comment was very encouraging.

ALSO READ: Biden to host landmark trilateral meet

Previous Story

Trudeau: China Tried to Meddle in Canadian Elections Twice

Next Story

India Offers Advanced Defence Gear to Lanka

Latest from -Top News

King and Pope Make History

The service at Vatican offered the King and Queen some calm amid scrutiny over Prince Andrew during their Vatican visit…reports Asian Lite News King Charles and Pope Leo made history in the

Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada

Ontario-funded $75M ads on US TV trigger sudden halt in trade talks…reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday night that all trade negotiations with Canada would be terminated,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Investors eye US Fed commentary next week

While a 25-basis point rate hike is widely expected, investors

Nijjar’s Killing: Trudeau’s Claims Trigger Worries in US Diplomatic Circles

White House Expresses Deep Concern Over Allegations Cited by Prime