Julian Assange to Plead Guilty in US Court
Long Legal Battle Nearing End
Assange, the 52-year-old founder of WikiLeaks, boarded a private jet this week from London for the United States, where he will face charges of violating the Espionage Act.
Guilty Plea Expected
Assange is expected to plead guilty to one count of violating the Espionage Act, which prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of national defense information. The charge stems from WikiLeaks' publication of classified documents in 2010 that revealed war crimes committed by the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Potential Sentence
If convicted, Assange could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. However, prosecutors have indicated that they are willing to recommend a more lenient sentence in exchange for his cooperation.
Conclusion
Assange's decision to plead guilty marks a significant turning point in a legal battle that has spanned over a decade. His prosecution has raised concerns among journalists and free speech advocates, who argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for the prosecution of whistleblowers.
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