WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange regains his freedom
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been released from the high-security prison where he was held for five years. WikiLeaks confirmed the news on its social media accounts, announcing that Assange left Belmarsh prison on June 24 after spending 1,901 days there.
Agreement with the United States Department of Justice
Assange was freed after reaching an agreement with the United States Department of Justice, ending more than a decade of judicial conflict. Through this agreement, Assange avoids the 18 crimes with which he was charged, recognizing only one with a lower penalty.
Accusations and leaks of classified information
The US courts have accused Assange of violating the Espionage Act for leaking classified information published by WikiLeaks in 2010. These leaks revealed secrets about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as information about detainees in Guantanamo.
Guilty plea and sentence
Under the agreement with the Justice Department, Assange will plead guilty to a single count of conspiring to unlawfully obtain and disseminate classified information. As a result, he will only be sentenced to 62 months in prison, a sentence he has already served in Belmarsh prison.
Travel to Australia and appearance before the US authorities
The agreement allows Assange to travel to his native Australia, but also requires him to appear before US authorities in a court in the Mariana Islands. Assange opposes traveling to the continental United States and has requested that the appearance be held somewhere near Australia.
Celebrations for the release of Assange
Assange’s release has been celebrated by WikiLeaks and its followers. After more than five years in prison, Assange will finally be reunited with his wife and children, who only met him behind bars. WikiLeaks has expressed its gratitude to all those who fought for Assange’s freedom.
