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Julian Assange’s wife has called on Joe Biden to “do the right thing” and “drop the charges” as Thursday marks the fifth anniversary of her husband’s imprisonment.

The US president said on Wednesday he is “considering” a request from Australia, where Assange is from, to drop the prosecution and allow the WikiLeaks founder’s return to his native country.

Mr Biden’s remarks were welcomed as “encouraging” by Mr Assange‘s lawyer, while WikiLeaks editor Kristinn Hrafnsson said it is “not too late” for the president to stop the extradition.

It comes as Mr Assange’s supporters around the world prepare to mark five years since he was taken to Belmarsh prison in London, having been dragged out of the Ecuadorian embassy, where he had been staying.

Events will be held around the world on Thursday as supporters continue to campaign for his release.

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Biden ‘considering’ dropping Assange prosecution

The 52-year-old faces prosecution in the US over an alleged conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information.

This followed the publication of hundreds of thousands of leaked documents relating to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

After Britain gave the go-ahead for his extradition last year, Mr Assange’s lawyers in February launched a final attempt in the English courts to challenge that decision.

The High Court will hear Julian Assange's final appeal against being sent to the US
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Julian Assange

Mr Assange’s extradition was put on hold in March after London’s High Court said the US must provide assurances he would not face the death penalty.

A further hearing in the case is due to be held in May.

What does Australia argue?

Australia argues there is a disconnect between the US treatment of Assange and US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning.

The US accuses Mr Assange of encouraging and helping Ms Manning steal diplomatic cables and military files which were then published by WikiLeaks, allegedly putting lives at risk.

Read more on Sky News:
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Ms Manning was sentenced to 35 years but her sentence was commuted by former US President Barack Obama to seven years, which allowed her release in 2017.

Mr Assange’s supporters say he is a journalist protected by the First Amendment who exposed US military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan that was in the public interest.

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Man arrested at Luton Airport in connection with fires at properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer

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Man arrested at Luton Airport in connection with fires at properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer

A second man has been arrested in connection with fires at two properties and a car linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The 26-year-old was arrested around 1.45pm at Luton Airport on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

The arrest was made by counter terrorism officers. The man has been taken into police custody in London.

It comes after a Ukrainian man, 21, was charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.

Roman Lavrynovych appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday and was remanded in custody.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command led the investigation because of the connections to the prime minister.

Emergency services were called to a fire in the early hours of Monday at a house in Kentish Town, north London, where Sir Keir lived with his family before the election.

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Damage was caused to the property’s entrance, but nobody was hurt.

A car was also set alight in the same street last Thursday.

There was another blaze at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington, also linked to the prime minister, on Sunday.

One person was taken to safety via an internal staircase by crews wearing breathing apparatus.

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Crystal Palace celebrate historic FA Cup win after victory over Manchester City

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Crystal Palace celebrate historic FA Cup win after victory over Manchester City

Crystal Palace are celebrating a historic win in the FA Cup after a 1-0 victory against Manchester City at Wembley.

It’s the south London club’s first major trophy – and third time lucky after losing two previous finals they have played in. The win also means Palace have qualified for next season’s Europa League.

Eberechi Eze put his side 1-0 up with the game’s only goal in the 16th minute.

Man City were given a chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute, but Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson – who had earlier escaped a red card for a handball outside the box – saved Omar Marmoush’s spot kick.

Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze (right) scores his sides first goal during the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 17, 2025. Pic: PA
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Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze scores. Pic: PA

Manchester City's Omar Marmoush (left) reacts after having his penalty saved as Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson is mobbed by his team mates during the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 17, 2025. Pic: PA
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Man City’s Omar Marmoush after his penalty was saved. Pic: PA

It briefly seemed the south London team had gone 2-0 up after a 58th-minute strike from Daniel Munoz but the goal was quickly ruled offside.

They then held onto their 1-0 lead until the final whistle, which came after an agonising 10 minutes of injury time.

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson celebrates after the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 17, 2025. PA
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Dean Henderson dodged a red card and saved a penalty. Pic: PA

Oliver Glasner’s team were the underdogs despite Manchester City having had a difficult season in the Premier League.

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Pep Guardiola’s side also lost to their neighbours and rivals Manchester United in last year’s cup final.

‘It’s all about spirit’

Palace goalscorer Eze said he had “no words” as he celebrated with his team mates.

Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze celebrates after the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 17, 2025. Adam Davy/PA Wire
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Eze celebrates after the final whistle. Pic: PA

“I can only thank God,” he told ITV. “This is special, this is what dreams are made of, for this club as well. Who would have thought we could do it?

“We’ve made history today. The tactics were good but it’s all about spirit. That’s energy, that’s everyone fighting together and doing what we had to do today.”

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Manhunt after five people stabbed at event in southeast London

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Manhunt after five people stabbed at event in southeast London

A manhunt has been launched after five people were stabbed at an event in southeast London, police have said.

Officers were called to Nathan Way, Thamesmead, at 4.19am on Saturday, the Metropolitan Police said.

Five people were found with stab wounds and were taken to hospital where their injuries are still being assessed.

No arrests have been made.

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“Enquiries are ongoing and a cordon will remain in place throughout the day,” a Met Police statement said.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

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