Watching this play out over the last decade has been an emotional rollercoaster. Here's what we know so far :
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 plane and departed the UK.
This is the result of a global campaign that spanned grass-roots organisers, press freedom campaigners, legislators and leaders from across the political spectrum, all the way to the United Nations. This created the space for a long period of negotiations with the US Department of Justice, leading to a deal that has not yet been formally finalised. We will provide more information as soon as possible.
After more than five years in a 2x3 metre cell, isolated 23 hours a day, he will soon reunite with his wife Stella Assange, and their children, who have only known their father from behind bars.
WikiLeaks published groundbreaking stories of government corruption and human rights abuses, holding the powerful accountable for their actions. As editor-in-chief, Julian paid severely for these principles, and for the people's right to know.
As he returns to Australia, we thank all who stood by us, fought for us, and remained utterly committed in the fight for his freedom.
Julian's freedom is our freedom.
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-25/julian-assange-released-from-prison/104017664
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-26/julian-assange-saipan-court-appearance/104022050
https://www.youtube.com/live/zwutQ2orqAs
Being forced to plead guilty to a crime he did not commit is frustrating, but I don't blame Julian for just wanting this to end. I hope he finally gets to relax with his partner and children, in fresh air, in his home country.
I'm sure his story isn't over yet.
This has been a huge but bittersweet win for press freedom.
Now we go after all the war criminals he exposed, right ? 😅
wow.. that's great. :) what a long time coming. so glad for him and his loved ones..
Absolutely wonderful news! I didn't breathe a sigh of relief until he was on the tarmac in Canberra... unbelievable moment.
Never give up!
It's about time, never should have been held in the first place. I almost didn't know whether to believe this until I saw the video of him boarding that plane. Next he's off to the US territory of Saipan, and I will finally breathe a sigh of relief when he touches down and steps on Australian soil.
I will never forget watching the video that he exposed and hearing the robotic-sounding voices of the crew as they gunned down members of the press.
While I was angry that he had to plea to anything (he committed no crime), I'm glad this ordeal is finally over for him.
whuuut?!? omg yes!
thanks for the good news man... I hadnt heard this anywhere yet...
this sham had been going on for way to long... and i was personally convinced they'd let him rot to death...
hallelujah... that's as close to a miracle as it gets!!
Good luck to him and may he find some peace. For the rest of us - how did we allow him to stay in there so long? And.. what tricks are they up to?
The best news in a very long time!
What incredible news. Long, long in the coming, but finally some small respite.
Just in time for the presidential debate?
Great news - but if I were him I'd be looking to get out of dodge and find somewhere to disappear to.
Many comments saying, that isn't him, that isn't the way he walks. But, how well do you walk after being stuck in an embassy and imprisoned for more than a decade.
Still some comments about Assange being safe with Trump. I will happily believe that… when i see it.
And i really hope this isn't a bait and switch.
AND i REALLY hope he isn't Clintonized.
If I were him, I would get out of Australia to a place where Uncle Sam won’t reach him.
yeah, i had the same thought, maybe it was just a bit too delicate to suicide him in a British prison?!?
fingers crossed this doesn't take a very dark turn!
it's a pity one has to be so cynical about stuff like this these days...
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Finally good news!
Freedom!
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STOPJulian Assange is a free man for now.
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It's great finally the legend is free...