By Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy charges in a landmark legal resolution that concludes a protracted legal battle spanning over a decade. The plea deal, finalized in a court in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth, paves the way for Assange’s long-awaited return home to Australia.
Assange, known for his role in publishing classified documents that stirred controversy and exposed government secrets, acknowledged the charge of conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information. This plea deal, which includes a 62-month sentence, encompasses the time Assange has already served.
“I believe the First Amendment and the Espionage Act are in contradiction with each other, but I accept that it would be difficult to win such a case given all these circumstances,” Assange stated during the court proceedings, as reported by NBC affiliate KUAM of Guam.
The U.S. Department of Justice has long contended that Assange’s actions endangered national security and compromised the safety of individuals worldwide. Assange’s disclosures, including classified military documents and diplomatic cables, have been central to debates on government transparency and press freedom.
Assange’s legal saga began with his arrest in 2019 at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he sought asylum for years to evade extradition over sexual assault allegations in Sweden. Subsequently, U.S. federal prosecutors pursued charges related to his publication of sensitive materials through WikiLeaks.
Despite the dropping of the Swedish case due to time constraints, Assange faced extradition requests from the U.S. on charges related to computer hacking and espionage. His time in custody included years spent in high-security detention in London’s Belmarsh Prison.
The plea deal does not involve additional incarceration beyond time served, allowing Assange to seek repatriation to Australia, where he is a citizen. His partner and legal representative, Stella Assange, expressed intentions to seek a full pardon based on journalistic principles and integrity.
“A guilty plea under the Espionage Act raises significant concerns for journalists and national security reporters,” Stella Assange commented, underscoring the broader implications of the case.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the development, calling for Assange’s return and emphasizing the prolonged nature of the legal proceedings.
“Regardless of opinions on Mr. Assange’s activities, prolonged incarceration serves no purpose. It’s time for him to come home,” Albanese stated in Parliament.
WikiLeaks, in a statement prior to the court proceedings, criticized the necessity of the plea deal, asserting that Assange’s contributions to public knowledge should not have led to criminal prosecution.
Assange is set to depart from Saipan to Canberra, Australia, under terms that restrict his return to the U.S. without prior authorization from authorities, according to the Justice Department.
