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WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange leaves the United States District Court following a hearing, in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, on June 26, 2024. Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters

Julian Assange Pleads Guilty, Returns to Australia After Years-Long Legal Battle

June 26, 2024

In a surprising turn of events, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was released from a UK prison and flown to the US Pacific territory of Saipan on Monday. There, he pleaded guilty to a single charge related to the publication of classified information, ending a years-long legal battle.

Reduced Charges, Immediate Freedom‌

Assange, 52, appeared in court on Wednesday to formalize his plea deal. He admitted to conspiring to obtain and disseminate classified information, a lesser charge compared to the initial 17 Espionage Act charges he faced. In exchange for his plea, US prosecutors agreed to drop the remaining charges and allow Assange to serve the 62 months he's already spent incarcerated in the UK.

A private jet carrying WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrives in Canberra, Australia on Wednesday. Edgar Su/Reuters

First Amendment Concerns

Assange's lawyer, Barry Pollack, argued that his client's actions were protected by the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of the press. However, Judge Ramona Manglona acknowledged the complexities of the case, stating that while Assange's actions did not result in physical harm, the timing of the plea deal played a role in its acceptance.

Members of the media surround the vehicle of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange as he leaves the US Federal Courthouse in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, on June 26, 2024. Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP/Getty Images

Return to Australia

Following his court appearance, Assange was released and is expected to return to his native Australia to reunite with his family. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, crediting "careful, patient and determined work" by Australian officials.

Julian Assange gestures from a police vehicle after arriving at the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London in April 2019.

Questions Remain

The exact reasons behind the sudden resolution to the case remain unclear. While the US Department of Justice denies White House involvement, Australian diplomatic efforts are believed to have played a part.

Assange's case has been a source of international controversy, raising questions about press freedom and national security. His return to Australia marks a significant development in the long-running saga, but the full ramifications of his actions and the US government's decision are yet to be seen.