Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, has reached a deal with US authorities that will see him plead guilty to criminal charges and go free after years of legal battles. Assange, who was charged with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, spent the last five years in a British prison fighting extradition to the US.
The deal will allow Assange to serve no time in US custody and return to Australia, where he will be reunited with his family. His wife, Stella Assange, expressed relief and gratitude to supporters who have stood by them throughout the ordeal.
Assange’s case has been a highly controversial one, with supporters claiming it was politically motivated. The US government had originally wanted to try him on 18 counts, mostly under the Espionage Act, for releasing confidential military records and diplomatic messages related to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Despite the long legal battle, Assange’s health has reportedly suffered, with reports of a small stroke in prison in 2021. Now, with the deal in place, Assange can focus on getting healthy again and spending time with his family.
The case has drawn international attention and sparked debates about freedom of speech and government transparency. Assange’s release marks the end of a chapter in a long and complex legal saga that has captivated the world.
