| Listen to our audio presentation: History of the US Supreme Court |
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is set to be released from custody as part of a plea deal with the United States, allowing him to return to Australia. Assange, 52, charged with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, will plead guilty to one charge under the agreement. This deal, finalized in a court in the Northern Mariana Islands on June 26, acknowledges the five years Assange has already served in a British prison and ensures he will not serve additional time in the US.
Years of Legal Battles
Assange’s legal troubles began in 2010 when Wikileaks published classified US military and diplomatic documents. The US government argued that these leaks, sourced from former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, endangered lives and compromised national security. In response, Assange took refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for seven years before being arrested in 2019.
Conditions of the Plea Deal
The plea deal, facilitated by the US Justice Department, stipulates that Assange will receive credit for the time served in the UK and will face no further imprisonment. This arrangement comes after a prolonged legal battle, during which Assange’s legal team argued that the case against him was politically motivated. His wife, Stella, has also been vocal about the need to end what she described as a “shameful prosecution.”
International Reactions
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized that Assange’s case has dragged on for too long, expressing relief at the resolution. US President Joe Biden also hinted earlier this year at the possibility of dropping the prosecution, aligning with Australia’s request to conclude the matter.
Assange’s Controversial Actions
Assange’s Wikileaks is infamous for the massive release of US military documents and diplomatic cables in 2010. This included the publication of a video showing a US helicopter attack in Baghdad, resulting in civilian casualties, including two Reuters journalists. These actions, while hailed by some as a triumph for transparency, have been condemned by others as reckless endangerment.
Health and Personal Struggles
Throughout his imprisonment, Assange has faced significant health challenges, including a stroke in 2021. His time in the high-security Belmarsh prison has been marked by limited public appearances and reports of deteriorating health, adding urgency to the plea deal.
The Future
Assange’s return to Australia will mark a new chapter after years of legal limbo. The plea deal, which must be approved by a judge, represents a significant step in resolving one of the most high-profile legal cases of the past decade, balancing the interests of justice, press freedom, and international diplomacy.
Resources
BBC News
The Guardian
Digital News Report