After years of arbitrary detention, Julian Assange is finally on his way to freedom. As he flies towards an island in the Pacific Ocean, we celebrate his release. However, his freedom comes at a cost – he must plead guilty to a “crime” of doing journalism.
While we rejoice in Julian’s freedom, we must not forget the ongoing threats to journalism and freedom of speech. The US empire’s attempt to intimidate journalists by forcing Assange to plead guilty is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in defending these principles.
As Julian reaches towards his freedom, we must continue the fight for justice and accountability. Let’s celebrate his liberation while recognizing the work that still needs to be done to protect journalists like him.
In the end, Julian’s unwavering commitment to his principles serves as an inspiration for us all. His journey to freedom reminds us that the fight for truth and justice is ongoing, and requires constant vigilance and dedication.
As we celebrate Julian’s freedom, let’s also remember the importance of defending journalism and freedom of speech worldwide.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.