In a final turn of events, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been declared a ‘free man’ after pleading guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to obtain and disclose classified national defense information. The plea hearing, held in a US court in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, resulted in a 62-month sentence that Assange has already served during his time in pre-trial detention at Belmarsh prison. This marks the end of a 14-year legal battle that began with the publication of classified US military documents in 2010. Assange, who faced up to 175 years in prison if convicted on all counts, will now return to his native Australia. The Australian government has been actively advocating for his release, and this outcome is seen as a victory for Assange’s supporters. Assange’s wife, Stella, has launched an appeal for donations to cover the cost of his return flight. Despite the controversy surrounding his actions, Assange’s release is welcomed by many as a triumph for press freedom and the First Amendment.
Key points
- Julian Assange pleads guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to obtain and disclose classified national defense information.
- Assange sentenced to 62 months, equivalent to time already served, and will return to Australia.
- Australian government’s advocacy and international support viewed as instrumental in Assange’s release.
