Julian Assange's Plea Deal with U.S. Government

SOURCE www.npr.org
Julian Assange has entered into a plea deal with the U.S. government, pleading guilty to a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose national defense information. He faces a 62-month sentence, equivalent to time served, and is expected to be released and return to Australia. The case attracted support from human rights and journalism groups, fearing it could set a dangerous precedent for press freedom.

Key Points

  • Assange pleads guilty to a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose national defense information
  • Faces a 62-month sentence, equivalent to time already served
  • Support from human rights and journalism groups fearing impact on press freedom

Pros

  • Julian Assange is expected to be released and return to Australia
  • International saga over handling of national security secrets may come to an end

Cons

  • Plea deal involves pleading guilty to a serious charge
  • Potential concerns over setting a precedent for charging journalists with national security crimes