Julian Assange Israel

WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange Agrees to Plead Guilty in Exchange for Release

Ending Standoff With US

By Glenn Thrush and Megan Specia

In a stunning reversal, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has agreed to plead guilty to hacking charges in exchange for his release from prison and a deal that would end his years-long standoff with the United States.

The agreement, which is still being finalized, would resolve a protracted legal battle that has pitted Assange against the U.S. government. If approved by the court, Assange would admit to hacking into U.S. government computer systems and publishing classified information.

In return, the U.S. would drop its espionage charges against Assange and recommend a reduced sentence. Assange would also be allowed to return to Australia, where he has citizenship.

The deal is a significant victory for the U.S. government, which has been trying to extradite Assange for years. Assange has been held in a London prison since 2019, when he was arrested for breaching his bail conditions.

The agreement is also a major departure for Assange, who has long maintained his innocence and accused the U.S. of trying to silence him. It is unclear what led Assange to change his mind and agree to plead guilty.

The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. It must still be approved by the court and by Assange himself.