Julian Assange Pleads Guilty in US Espionage Case

Links with Chelsea Manning Revealed

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has pleaded guilty to a single espionage charge in a US court. The deal came after years of legal battles and exposure of classified information.

Assange's Involvement with Manning

According to court documents, Assange conspired with former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to obtain and publish classified documents. Prosecutors allege that Assange helped Manning hack into government computers and provided her with technical assistance.

Investigators uncovered chats between Manning and someone believed to be Assange, indicating their collaboration. However, Assange has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that his actions were protected by freedom of the press.

Espionage Charges and Plea Deal

The Trump administration's Justice Department accused Assange of directing Manning in one of the largest leaks of classified information in US history.

In a surprising move, Assange pleaded guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to receive and publish national defense information. This plea deal allows him to avoid facing more serious charges that could have resulted in a lengthy prison sentence.

Assange's Release and Appeal

After pleading guilty, Assange was released on Wednesday. He now faces years of probation and a potential fine.

Assange's supporters have expressed disappointment over the deal, arguing that it undermines freedom of speech and the rights of journalists.