Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has agreed to plead guilty to violating U.S. espionage law, ending his long legal battle in Britain. His wife, Stella Assange, plans to seek a pardon for him. Assange, 52, will admit to conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US national defense documents, and expects to be sentenced to time already served.
Stella is ecstatic about this development but remains upset about the years Julian spent in custody. They plan to raise funds for his return to Australia, where he will finally be free. Stella believes the guilty plea poses a threat to journalists worldwide.
Assange’s legal ordeal, which involved years in a British jail and hiding in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, has finally come to an end. Stella is relieved that a weight has been lifted off Julian’s shoulders and looks forward to settling back in Australia to rebuild their lives.
Despite the good news, the couple needs financial support to cover Julian’s return flight, which is expected to cost half a million dollars. They are determined to raise the necessary funds to repay the Australian government for his freedom.