Julian Assange is Free

Julian Assange is Free: A Triumph of Global Activism

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the global community, Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been released from Belmarsh maximum security prison after 1901 days of incarceration. On the morning of June 24, Assange walked out of the prison that had been his home for over five years, granted bail by the High Court in London. Later that afternoon, he boarded a plane at Stansted airport, departing the UK and marking the end of a chapter that has been closely watched by press freedom advocates worldwide.

This remarkable development is the culmination of a tireless global campaign that united grassroots organisers, press freedom campaigners, legislators, and leaders from across the political spectrum, even reaching the halls of the United Nations. Their collective efforts created the political space necessary for prolonged negotiations with the US Department of Justice, resulting in a deal that, while not yet formally finalised, has secured Assange’s freedom.

For more than five years, Assange was confined to a 2×3 metre cell, isolated for 23 hours a day. Now, he will soon reunite with his wife Stella Assange and their children, who have only known their father from behind bars. This reunion symbolises not just a personal victory for the Assange family, but a broader triumph for the principles of press freedom and government accountability.

WikiLeaks, under Assange’s leadership, published groundbreaking stories of government corruption and human rights abuses, holding the powerful accountable for their actions. As editor-in-chief, Assange paid a severe price for upholding these principles and defending the public’s right to know. His release represents a vindication of sorts for the journalistic practices that WikiLeaks pioneered.

The deal, which is expected to be finalised in a court in the Northern Mariana Islands on June 26, will reportedly see Assange plead guilty to one charge. This compromise, while not a full exoneration, marks a significant de-escalation from the 18 counts – mostly under the Espionage Act – that US prosecutors had originally sought to try him on.

This outcome follows a series of positive developments, including US President Joe Biden’s consideration of Australia’s request to drop the prosecution, and the UK High Court’s ruling allowing Assange to bring a new appeal against extradition to the US. These steps reflect a growing recognition of the case’s implications for press freedom and the right to free speech.

The relentless campaigning by Julian Assange supporters led from the front by his wife Stella has been inspirational in itself.

As Assange prepares to return to his native Australia, we are reminded of the power of collective action and the importance of protecting those who dare to speak truth to power. This is indeed a good day for press freedom, a good day for truth and justice. On this day, a light was let free, making the world a little brighter.

The release of Julian Assange serves as a beacon of hope for journalists and whistleblowers around the world. It reaffirms the critical role of a free press in maintaining democratic accountability and the public’s right to information. As we celebrate this victory, we must remain vigilant in protecting these fundamental principles, ensuring that the pursuit of truth is never again met with such severe repercussions.

Free Julian Assange…

Paul Knaggs

Editor, founder, Labour Heartlands, Citizen journalist. LeFT wing political refugee. Fighting a constant struggle with dyslexia that’s overcome with a burning desire to speak out against the corrupt political system and the social injustices it creates. Advocate for Free speech and open, accountable, democracy. #GTTO