Assange pleads guilty to journalism for freedom

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, revealed his decision to plead guilty to US espionage charges as a means to secure his freedom due to the lack of legal and political protection during his address to the Council of Europe. After being released from prison and returning to Australia, Assange admitted to violating US espionage law, ending his lengthy legal battle in the UK.

Assange expressed his relief at being free, but acknowledged the toll that years of isolation had taken on him, indicating the need for time to recover. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about protecting whistleblowers during the Strasbourg hearing and transitioning back to a normal life, including adapting to being a father and husband.

Despite the plea deal preventing him from defending himself against the accusations, Assange remains determined to shed light on the need for justice. His ordeal, from the release of classified US documents by WikiLeaks to his recent incarceration, has raised concerns about his treatment and sparked calls for further investigation into his case.

As he faces the challenges of readjusting to life outside confinement, Assange’s resilience and commitment to transparency continue to inspire discussions about the rights of whistleblowers in the digital age.

(Source: Reuters)