US President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that he is considering granting Australia’s request to cancel the extradition of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks. Assange, who has been responsible for releasing numerous high-profile confidential documents, is currently wanted by US authorities on political offenses. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged the return of Assange to Australia after the UK withdrew its previous offer to extradite him. Biden stated that the issue is currently being taken into consideration. In response to the developments, Assange’s partner took to social media to call for an end to his persecution.

In March, Assange’s extradition hearing took place and the London High Court ruled in favor of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, which expressed concerns about Assange’s safety if extradited. US prosecutors have lodged 18 charges against Assange, primarily relating to the publication of classified documents and diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks. However, critics argue that these actions disregard the principles of freedom of the press. After the UK’s decision on extradition last year, Assange’s legal team appealed the verdict in British courts.