The journey of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has taken a new turn as he is set to return to his home country Australia after a 12-year legal battle with the United States. Assange, 52, agreed to plead guilty to a felony charge related to his whistleblowing activities, which led to the publication of classified government documents. He spent the past five years in a high-security prison in London and seven years in the Ecuadorian embassy trying to avoid extradition. Following a plea deal, Assange boarded a flight from London’s Stansted airport on Monday, accompanied by Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK. As part of the agreement with the US Justice Department, Assange will serve a 62-month sentence, crediting the time served in the UK and allowing him to immediately return to Australia, pending court approval.
The legal saga reached a climax with a court appearance scheduled in Saipan, a US territory in the Pacific closer to Australia, where Assange is expected to plead guilty. The US authorities had accused Assange of espionage charges and sought his extradition for endangering confidential sources by releasing sensitive information. Assange’s case has been a focal point for free speech advocates who condemned the extradition attempt, citing concerns over press freedom. Despite facing multiple charges and a maximum penalty of up to 175 years in prison, Assange has maintained his innocence and argued for a fair trial.
The release of Assange has been met with relief and gratitude from his family, with his son Gabriel Assange’s picture wearing a Free My Dad t-shirt going viral on social media. Gabriel and his brother Max have awaited their father’s return eagerly, having grown up without him for several years. The heartwarming reunion between Julian Assange and his sons is anticipated to be a life-changing moment for both. The family has endured the hardships of separation, with Stella Moris, Assange’s wife, expressing the challenges of visiting him in prison and maintaining a sense of normalcy for their children.
Moris and Assange tied the knot in 2022 amidst tight security in prison, showcasing their resilience and commitment to each other during tumultuous times. Their strong bond and the support from well-wishers have kept them going through the legal battles and the uncertainty of the future. As the chapter of legal battles comes to a close, Julian Assange’s homecoming signifies a new beginning for the family and a moment of triumph after years of struggle.
