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The top line: Lawyers for Julian Assange have responded to reports of a plea deal in his extradition case, stating that there has been no indication of a resolution.
The bigger picture: The Wikileaks founder is currently fighting extradition from Britain to the US, where he is facing 18 espionage charges.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the US Justice Department was considering allowing Assange to plead guilty to a reduced charge.
The key quote: \”It is inappropriate for Mr Assange\’s lawyers to comment while his case is before the UK High Court other than to say we have been given no indication that the Department of Justice intends to resolve the case and the United States is continuing with as much determination as ever to seek his extradition on all 18 charges, exposing him to 175 years in prison.\” — Assange\’s lawyer, Barry Pollack.
What else to know: Assange has been in prison in London since 2019.
What happens next: The UK High Court is currently deciding whether to grant Assange a right to appeal his extradition.
