Julian Assange has been released from prison after striking a plea deal with the U.S. Department of Justice, marking the end of a long legal battle. The co-founder of WikiLeaks will plead guilty to violating the Espionage Act as part of the agreement. This unexpected turn of events brings a conclusion to over a decade of controversy and imprisonment for Assange, a significant moment in the history of journalism, whistleblowing, and digital rights.
Following his release, Assange is on his way to Australia to reunite with his wife and children. His legal troubles began in 2010 with an arrest warrant for sexual misconduct allegations, leading to a lengthy asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. After Ecuador withdrew his asylum in 2019, Assange was arrested and faced extradition to the U.S. on charges related to the publication of classified documents by WikiLeaks.
Throughout his imprisonment, Assange’s health and detention conditions were a point of concern for human rights organizations. WikiLeaks, with its history of accepting Bitcoin donations and involvement with blockchain technology, has also played a significant role in the crypto space.
In 2023, a decentralized autonomous organization raised millions to aid Assange in his legal battle for freedom. This turn of events has been closely followed by supporters and critics alike, sparking intense debate and scrutiny.