Julian Assange Released After 14-Year Extradition Battle
Julian Assange, WikiLeaks co-founder, has been released following a 14-year extradition battle with the United States. His freedom was partly secured by an anonymous Bitcoiner who donated over 8 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $500,000. This donation covered Assange’s debt for his “forced” charter flight to Saipan and Australia, required by the Australian government.
Extradition and plea agreement
Assange was released from the high-security Belmarsh prison in the UK on June 24, following a plea agreement with US authorities. He flew to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, a US territory, avoiding American soil. On Wednesday, Assange pleaded guilty in a Saipan district court to breaching the US Espionage Act by leaking classified documents.
Crowdfunding effort and Bitcoin donation
To address the debt, Assange’s wife, Stella, launched a crowdfunding page upon his return to Australia. The donation link posted on June 25 received an anonymous contribution of over 8 Bitcoin within 10 hours, nearly reaching the $520,000 goal. This significant donation exceeded all other contributions combined, allowing Assange to arrive in Australia debt-free.
On Wednesday, Judge Ramona Manglona sentenced Assange to five years and two months in prison for espionage charges. However, having already served this time in the UK, Assange was freed immediately. He then flew privately to Canberra, Australia, arriving at 3:09 pm IST. As part of his plea deal, Assange agreed to destroy all classified information provided to WikiLeaks.
Family and public reaction
Assange’s release was celebrated by his wife Stella and his mother Christine, who expressed relief and gratitude. Australian legislators who supported Assange’s freedom also welcomed his return. Upon landing in Canberra, Assange was met by a throng of journalists and reporters, marking the end of a long and contentious legal saga.