Tag

Espionage Charges

All articles tagged with #espionage charges

world-news1 year ago

"Biden Considers Dropping Charges Against Julian Assange, Wife Finds Hope"

The wife of Julian Assange expressed optimism after President Joe Biden indicated that the U.S. may drop charges against the WikiLeaks founder, potentially allowing him to return to Australia. Assange, currently imprisoned in London, faces 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over the publication of classified U.S. documents. Supporters rallied for his release on the fifth anniversary of his incarceration, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for an end to Assange's ordeal. Assange's health continues to deteriorate in prison, and a further court hearing in his case is scheduled for May 20.

politics1 year ago

"Biden Considers Dropping Prosecution of Wikileaks Founder Assange at Australia's Request"

President Joe Biden is considering a request from Australia to drop the U.S. prosecution of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who faces 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over the publication of classified U.S. documents. Australia argues for a disconnect in treatment between Assange and Chelsea Manning, while Assange's supporters claim he is a journalist protected by the First Amendment. A British court ruled last month that Assange can't be extradited to the U.S. on espionage charges unless U.S. authorities guarantee he won't face the death penalty.

world-news1 year ago

"Year Behind Bars: The Ordeal of Evan Gershkovich in a Russian Prison"

American journalist Evan Gershkovich has spent a year in a Russian prison on espionage charges, with no evidence provided to support the accusation. His family and friends speak out, expressing concern for his well-being and urging for his release. The Biden administration continues to work towards securing his freedom, denouncing Russia's use of Americans as bargaining chips. Gershkovich's dedication to reporting in Russia is celebrated, but his prolonged detention is taking a toll on his loved ones as they await any news of his trial or potential release.

international-relations1 year ago

"American Journalist Evan Gershkovich Marks One Year in Russian Detention"

U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich has been detained in Russia for a year on spying allegations, marking the first such detention of an American journalist on espionage charges in Russia since the Cold War. The Wall Street Journal vehemently rejects the charges, and his arrest has heightened Western suspicion of "hostage diplomacy" in Moscow. Gershkovich, who was working in Russia with official press accreditation, faces up to 20 years in jail if convicted. The Biden administration has prioritized securing his freedom, but his trial date remains uncertain as his pretrial detention has been repeatedly extended.

world-news1 year ago

"US Journalist Evan Gershkovich's Year-Long Detention in Russia"

American journalist Evan Gershkovich marks a year in a Russian prison on espionage charges, with his pretrial detention repeatedly extended in closed court hearings at Lefortovo Prison. Despite being held in harsh conditions, Gershkovich remains resilient, finding solace in occasional court appearances and maintaining connections with friends and family. The U.S. government seeks his release, but negotiations for a potential prisoner swap with Russia remain uncertain amidst geopolitical tensions.

world-news1 year ago

"Russia Extends Detention of Wall Street Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich for Another Year"

A Russian court has extended the detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been held on what the U.S. calls bogus espionage charges for over a year, until at least June 30. The U.S. ambassador to Russia has denounced the accusations as untrue and called for Gershkovich's release, while also highlighting the case of U.S. Marine veteran Paul Whelan, who has been detained for over five years. Analysts suggest that Moscow may be using jailed Americans as bargaining chips amid heightened U.S.-Russian tensions over the military operation in Ukraine.

international-relations1 year ago

"Exclusive: Evan Gershkovich's Parents Speak Out 1 Year into Russian Detention"

The parents of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained in Russia on espionage charges for a year, express optimism and gratitude for the U.S. government's efforts to secure his release. Despite facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted, Gershkovich's parents are encouraged by recent statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin suggesting a potential prisoner swap. The Wall Street Journal's Editor-in-Chief also believes in Gershkovich's eventual release and emphasizes the importance of keeping his story in the public eye. Gershkovich's parents continue to receive updates on him and maintain hope for his return home.

legalinternational-relations1 year ago

"US Justice Department Considers Plea Deal to End Julian Assange's Legal Battle"

The US government is reportedly considering a plea deal offer for Julian Assange, allowing him to admit to a misdemeanor in exchange for dropping the current 18 charges under the Espionage Act. However, Assange's lawyers have stated that they have not been given any indication of a change in the prosecution strategy. The high court is expected to decide soon whether to grant Assange a further right to appeal his extradition, and if that fails, he could be taken to the US within a few days. This potential extradition would be politically difficult for the Biden administration, and Assange's defense lawyers argue that he could be targeted by US state agencies if extradited.

legal-international-relations1 year ago

"UK High Court Hears Assange Extradition Case Without His Presence Due to Health Reasons"

Julian Assange's US extradition appeal hearing at the UK High Court began without his presence due to health reasons, with his lawyers arguing that he is being prosecuted for ordinary journalistic practices. If he loses this appeal, his only remaining option would be at the European Court of Human Rights. Assange faces 17 charges under the Espionage Act for publishing classified US military documents, and his supporters fear for his health and safety if extradited to the US. The hearing continues on Wednesday.

legalextradition1 year ago

Assange's Last Stand: Final UK Legal Battle to Avoid US Extradition

Julian Assange's lawyers have launched a final legal challenge in the U.K. to prevent his extradition to the U.S. on espionage charges, arguing that he faces a risk of a "flagrant denial of justice." Supporters believe the prosecution is politically motivated and that he won't receive a fair trial in the U.S. Assange, who has been fighting extradition for over a decade, faces 17 charges of espionage and one charge of computer misuse. His lawyers are making new arguments to secure an appeal, including claims of a plot to kidnap or kill him. The judges are expected to take several weeks to consider their decision.

legalpolitical1 year ago

"Julian Assange's High-Stakes Battle: Extradition Appeal and Prison Conditions"

Julian Assange's appeal against the United States' request for his extradition to face espionage charges is being heard in London's High Court, with concerns over his declining health and the potential for a life-threatening outcome if extradited. Legal experts and supporters argue that the case is a pivotal test of press freedom, as it marks the first time the US government has used the 1917 Espionage Act to prosecute a publisher. Assange's allies are advocating for his release on humanitarian grounds, emphasizing the toll his prolonged legal battle has taken on his health and family, while the Australian government has called for a swift resolution to the matter.

legalextradition1 year ago

"Julian Assange's Final Stand: UK Court Battle to Avoid US Extradition"

Julian Assange's legal team begins their final U.K. challenge to prevent his extradition to the U.S. on espionage charges, with judges set to decide on a new appeal hearing. Supporters fear he could be extradited before appealing to the European Court of Human Rights. Assange, facing 17 espionage charges and one computer misuse charge, argues that the prosecution is politically motivated and that he won't receive a fair trial in the U.S. His health has deteriorated during years of confinement, and his legal battle, which began in 2010, has seen numerous twists and turns.

international-politics1 year ago

"Australian Writer Yang Hengjun Receives Suspended Death Sentence in China"

Australian writer Yang Hengjun has been given a suspended death sentence in China, five years after his initial detention and three years after a closed-door trial on espionage charges. The details of the case against him are unknown, and he has denied the charges. His sentence would convert to life imprisonment after two years, prompting calls for Australian government intervention and medical parole.

world2 years ago

"American Paul Whelan's plea from Russian prison: Abandoned and seeking release"

American Paul Whelan, who has been imprisoned in Russia for five years on espionage charges that he and the U.S. government dismiss as baseless, expressed frustration and a sense of betrayal in a phone interview from prison, stating that it is "unfathomable" that the Biden administration has "left me behind" while other Americans have been freed in prisoner swaps. Whelan fears he will be excluded from any future prisoner swap with Russia and voiced concerns about deteriorating conditions in the prison camp where he is held. The U.S. State Department recently stated that Russia rejected a "new and significant" proposal for Whelan's release, along with Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was also arrested in Russia on unsubstantiated espionage charges.

international-relations2 years ago

Putin Urges America to Make an Offer for the Release of Detained Americans

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to negotiate a deal with the US for the release of imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, stating that agreements must be mutually acceptable. Gershkovich, who is facing spying charges, had his detention upheld during a recent hearing in Moscow. Putin emphasized the need for the American side to make an appropriate decision, while the US government considers both Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan to be wrongfully detained. Analysts suggest that Moscow may be using jailed Americans as bargaining chips amid heightened tensions with the US. The Russian Foreign Ministry has indicated that a swap for Gershkovich would only be considered after a verdict in his trial, which could last for more than a year.