After 12 years of confinement in London, Julian Assange returned to Australia as a free man, greeted by a cheering crowd and reunited with his family. Following his release from UK custody, the Australian government welcomed him with cautious optimism, marking a shift in official stance on his case. Born in Townsville, Assange made headlines in 2010 for releasing classified documents, sparking a global debate on freedom of information.
His return concludes months of diplomatic efforts and growing support for an Australian citizen not to be subjected to foreign courts. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated Assange’s homecoming, emphasizing the purposelessness of his continued imprisonment. With Labor in power, the parliament’s motion to bring Assange back signifies a significant change in government approach.
Released after pleading guilty to espionage, Assange can now enjoy a calmer life with his family, embodying the hope for an ordinary future. Judge Ramona Manglona set him free after considering his time served, marking a new chapter for the controversial figure.
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