Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been released after 12 years following an unexpected plea deal with the US government. The 52-year-old Australian pleaded guilty to conspiring unlawfully to obtain and disseminate classified information, marking a significant moment in his legal battle.
Assange, who had long harbored a deep mistrust of the US, formalized his agreement in a US courtroom on the Northern Mariana Islands, a US territory located in the Pacific. The judge granted him credit for time served in a British prison, allowing him to walk free.
Assange gained global attention in 2010 for leaks related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including a video showing a US military helicopter attack that killed journalists and civilians. He later sought asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he stayed for almost seven years until his arrest in 2019.
After facing 18 criminal charges, Assange entered a guilty plea to a single charge, resulting in a 62-month sentence that equated to his time spent fighting extradition in a London prison. The resolution of his case came after Australian officials advocated for his return home.
Assange's wife expressed elation at his release, highlighting the emotional impact on their family. His half-brother emphasized the historical significance of Assange's work through WikiLeaks, citing exposures of military actions and corruption.
Upon returning to Australia, Assange will need to repay $520,000 for his charter flight home. A campaign has been launched to cover these expenses and support his recovery, calling for donations from supporters.
