Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has returned to his home country of Australia after a 14-year legal battle that spanned multiple continents. Assange, who pleaded guilty to a single felony charge of conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, was released from a high-security prison in London and arrived in Canberra, where he was warmly welcomed by his wife Stella, his father John Shipton, and a crowd of supporters. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the government’s efforts to secure Assange’s release, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to its citizens and emphasizing the importance of press freedom and the role of whistleblowers in holding governments accountable and promoting transparency in international affairs. Assange is expected to make a public statement at a press conference in Canberra at 21:15 GMT, which will be his first public appearance since the plea deal. His wife Stella has asked for privacy as the family recovers from the ordeal and expressed gratitude for the support received during this time. Assange’s lawyers, Jennifer Robinson and Barry Pollack, have lauded the court’s decision, asserting that no harm was caused by WikiLeaks’ publications and warned that the conviction sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom. Assange still faces certain issues, including seeking a pardon from the US President and repaying the Australian government for the plane that transported him.
Key points
- Julian Assange has arrived in Australia and is scheduled to hold a press conference in Canberra at 21:15 GMT.
- Assange was released from a high-security prison in London after pleading guilty to a single felony charge.
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Assange’s return, emphasizing the government’s commitment to its citizens and the importance of press freedom.
- Assange’s return marks the end of a 14-year legal battle that drew international attention to issues of press freedom and government transparency.
