WASHINGTON — WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will plead guilty to a felony charge in a deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will free him from prison, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Assange has been held at Belmarsh Prison in London since 2019 on charges related to his publication of classified information through WikiLeaks. He had previously refused to accept any plea deals or cooperate with investigators, leading many to speculate about the possibility of a long-term imprisonment.
The exact terms of Assange’s guilty plea are not yet clear, but it is believed that he will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy and potentially face a reduced sentence in exchange for his cooperation. This move comes as part of an effort by the Justice Department to resolve outstanding cases related to WikiLeaks’ publication of classified information during the 2016 presidential election.
Assange’s legal team has been working closely with prosecutors on this deal, which is seen as a significant development given Assange’s long-standing refusal to cooperate or accept any plea deals. The exact timing and details of his guilty plea are still being finalized, but it is expected that he will appear in court soon to enter the plea.
This news comes at a time when many people around the world are advocating for Assange’s release from prison due to concerns about his health and well-being. His legal team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure his freedom, and this guilty plea deal marks an important step forward in that effort.
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