Julian Assange, the co-founder of WikiLeaks, has been freed after reaching an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. Assange reached a deal with authorities that will see him plead guilty to violating the Espionage Act.
This latest unexpected development with Assange and the U.S. government brings an end to a lengthy legal battle that has seen the WikiLeaks founder imprisoned and embroiled in international controversy for over a decade.
Assange’s release marks a significant moment in the history of journalism, whistleblowing, and digital rights.
Wikileaks posted a statement on X. Assange left London on Monday and is on his way to Australia where he will reunite with his wife Stella Assange, and their children.
JULIAN ASSANGE IS FREE
Julian Assange is free. He left Belmarsh maximum security prison on the morning of 24 June, after having spent 1901 days there. He was granted bail by the High Court in London and was released at Stansted airport during the afternoon, where he boarded a…
— WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) June 24, 2024
Julian Assange boards flight at London Stansted Airport at 5PM (BST) Monday June 24th. This is for everyone who worked for his freedom: thank you.#FreedJulianAssange pic.twitter.com/Pqp5pBAhSQ
— WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) June 25, 2024
Assange’s legal troubles first began in November 2010 when Swedish authorities issued an arrest warrant for him about allegations of sexual misconduct. Swedish authorities discontinued an investigation into the rape allegation after a review of the evidence.
Assange, who denied the allegations, sought asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London in June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden. He remained there for nearly seven years.
In April 2019, Ecuador withdrew Assange’s asylum,
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