Julian Assange Released From Prison After Reaching Plea Deal With US

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

Timeline of Assange’s Arrest and Legal Battles

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, and he was arrested by British authorities. The U.S. sought his extradition on charges related to the publication of classified military and diplomatic documents by WikiLeaks, including charges under the Espionage Act.

Assange’s case has been the subject of intense debate and scrutiny. Many supporters argue his work with WikiLeaks was crucial for transparency and accountability, while critics claim it endangered lives and national security.

Throughout his imprisonment, Assange’s health and the conditions of his detention were frequently highlighted by human rights organizations.

WikiLeaks and the Crypto Connection

WikiLeaks and Assange have a notable history with crypto, particularly Bitcoin. In 2010, WikiLeaks began accepting Bitcoin donations after being cut off by traditional financial institutions like PayPal, Visa, and MasterCard.

This was seen as pivotal in showcasing Bitcoin as a viable means of circumventing financial censorship. Assange was an early advocate for Bitcoin and blockchain technology, recognizing its potential to allow secure and anonymous financial transactions.

In 2023, a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) dubbed AssangeDAO raised millions to bid on a non-fungible token (NFT) and help Assange in his legal effort to be free.