Australian lawmakers call for release of Julian Assange during talks in Washington

FILE PHOTO: A supporter holds a poster depicting Julian Assange during a protest against the extradition of WikiLeaks' founder from Britain to the U.S., in Athens, Greece, June 20, 2022. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis/File Photo

WASHINGTON/SYDNEY (Reuters) -A cross-party delegation of Australian lawmakers that traveled to the United States seeking the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said they had a productive discussion in Washington with the U.S. Justice Department.

The group of Australian lawmakers urged U.S. officials to drop their attempts to extradite Assange from a British prison to the United States, where he is wanted on charges over WikiLeaks' release of confidential U.S. military records and diplomatic cables.