Biden considering Australia request to drop Julian Assange prosecution

WASHINGTON, April 10 (Reuters) - President Joe Biden on Wednesday said he was considering Australia's request to drop the prosecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who had released troves of confidential U.S. classified documents and is battling extradition to the United States.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has long expressed opposition, opens new tab to the Wikileaks founder's detention, in February backed a parliamentary motion, opens new tab calling for the return of Assange, an Australian citizen, to Australia.

"We are considering it," Biden told a reporter who asked if he had a response to Australia's request to end Assange's prosecution.

Albanese said his government had raised the issue at all government levels in every possible way and would continue to engage diplomatically for the release of Assange.