📷 Image Credits: NDTV
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has returned home to Australia as a free man after a long legal battle. He admitted to revealing US defence secrets, leading to his release from a London prison. Assange arrived in Canberra on a private jet, greeted by a crowd of supporters and journalists. The emotional moment was captured as he embraced his wife Stella and his father, marking the end of a dramatic international saga.
WikiLeaks announced a press conference in Canberra, where Assange’s father expressed his joy at the prospect of him enjoying freedom with his family, walking on the beach, and feeling the cool winter sand. The legal battle that spanned over a decade came to a surprising conclusion in the Northern Mariana Islands, where Assange pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to obtain and disseminate national defence information.
Assange’s lawyer, Jen Robinson, deemed it a historic day, highlighting the case’s significance in terms of press freedom. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the outcome, emphasizing the prolonged nature of Assange’s case. The United Nations commended the release, citing human rights concerns.
Despite the positive reception, former US vice president Mike Pence criticized the plea deal, calling it a ‘miscarriage of justice.’ The US Justice Department stated that Assange would not be allowed to return to the US without permission, highlighting the sensitivity of the case.
Throughout his legal battles, Assange remained a polarizing figure, revered by free speech advocates and condemned by those who viewed his actions as jeopardizing national security. His release marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in his life, offering a fresh start as he reunites with his family in Australia.
