Assange plea came after warning that U.S. would lose extradition fight

Julian Assange's plea deal with the U.S. came after a warning that the extradition fight would likely fail due to free speech concerns. The Justice Department faced pressure to reach a deal as the case against Assange seemed unwinnable in a British court. Despite efforts to secure a plea agreement involving Assange admitting to a felony violation of the Espionage Act, top officials in the Justice Department did not act on the proposal. The negotiations highlighted the challenges posed by the case's implications for free speech rights and strained relationships within the Justice Department. Ultimately, a plea deal allowed Assange to return to Australia after admitting to a felony violation. The case, spanning three administrations, raised debates about press freedoms and the prosecution of Assange for publishing classified material. The plea deal, reached after months of discussions and legal hurdles, marked a significant development in the long-standing legal battle.