Julian Assange freed: Deal with US

Assange pleads guilty to espionage charge in US, to return home to Australia.

After a 14-year legal battle, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been released from the UK's Belmarsh prison. He agreed to a plea deal with the US and has flown back to Australia. Here's everything you need to know about the deal and Assange's legal struggles:

What is Julian Assange’s plea deal?

The filing from the North Mariana Islands District Court revealing the plea deal

A letter from the US Department of Justice outlines the plea deal.
Assange will plead guilty to a felony charge under the US Espionage Act related to unlawfully obtaining and disseminating classified information.
The charge carries a sentence of 62 months in prison. However, the time served in the UK will be set against this, meaning no additional prison time is required.
The hearing and sentencing will occur in the US District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands.
Assange will head back to Australia after the sentencing.

Where is Saipan?

INTERACTIVE_Wikileaks founder Julian Assangereleased from prison_JUNE25_2024-1719310487

Saipan is the largest island and capital of the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI).
The NMI is a US commonwealth in the Western Pacific Ocean, not classified as a state.
The hearing in Saipan is due to Assange's avoidance of travel to the US and proximity to Australia.

Who is Julian Assange?

Assange, born in Australia in 1971, founded WikiLeaks in 2006.
WikiLeaks gained prominence by publishing classified US military documents.
Through his work and legal challenges, Assange became a symbol for press freedom.

What charges did Assange face?

In 2010, the US government indicted Assange on 18 charges, predominantly for espionage.
Assange also faced legal troubles in Sweden, which were later dropped.
He spent time in prison in the UK and the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

How long was Assange in prison?

Assange was imprisoned for over 62 months.
During his incarceration, he battled against extradition to the US.
After leaving prison, Assange faced further legal challenges.

What’s next for Assange?

Assange will return to Australia to reunite with his family after years of legal turmoil.
WikiLeaks expressed gratitude for the continued support during Assange's release.
There are uncertainties regarding how WikiLeaks may obtain future whistleblower exposés.

What are the reactions to Assange’s release?

Various officials and organizations have shared diverse reactions to Assange's release.
Australian leaders expressed differing views on the circumstances surrounding Assange's plea deal.
The international community welcomed Assange's release, citing it as a victory for press freedom.