Prosecutors are reportedly seeking a plea deal with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to avoid concerns that could arise if he were charged with espionage, similar concerns that could implicate The New York Times. Assange's lawyers have stated that there is no deal currently on the table, despite reports from the Wall Street Journal about a potential plea agreement offer from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The move by U.S. prosecutors aims to avoid an espionage trial, amid debates over the implications for freedom of the press. Critics, including University of Chicago Professor Mearsheimer, argue that convicting Assange would equate to a lack of freedom of the press, emphasizing that Assange, as a journalist, did not break the law.
CONVICTING JULIAN ASSANGE = NO FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. As my good friend and @UChicago Prof. @MearsheimerJ said, "Assange is a journalist, and he did not break the law." It's time for the US Department of Justice to check their brief against Assange. https://t.co/kfy8t4MtVT
U.S. prosecutors are looking to wriggle out of an espionage trial for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. https://t.co/cVie5AQtqd
Assange’s Lawyers Say No Deal on the Table; WSJ Reports DOJ Could Offer Plea Agreement https://t.co/2Kw3FSC2eU
If Julian Assange can be charged with espionage, so can The New York Times. Prosecutors are reportedly seeking a plea deal to avoid that concern. https://t.co/cVie5AR1fL
If There's A Deal For Assange, Will He Take It? Watch the whole show here: https://t.co/Wy7Yfn9BdV https://t.co/F48OxMqo8n