Julian Assange wakes in Australia as a free man after more than a decade away

·

Julian Assange has spent his first evening home in Australia as a free man after nearly 15 years of jail cells and embassy walls.

Assange has been a fugitive since his organisation WikiLeaks published classified United States military footage it alleged showed the killing of Iraqi civilians and two Reuters journalists by US forces.

For seven years he was stuck in Ecuador’s embassy in London, dodging an extradition order to the US over the leaks, until 2019 when police entered the embassy and detained Assange, placing him in jail where he remained until just days ago.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (centre L) hugs his wife Stella Assange (centre R) after arriving at Canberra Airport in Canberra on June 26, 2024
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (centre L) hugs his wife Stella Assange (centre R) after arriving at Canberra Airport in Canberra on June 26, 2024. Photo: AFP.

Since 2012 he has fought attempted extraditions and later charges of violating the US Espionage Act — which carried a maximum penalty of 175 years’ prison.

On Wednesday, June 26 this year, Assange finally settled a plea deal with the US, pleading guilty to one charge of conspiracy to commit espionage in return for a “time already served” sentence.

Landing in Canberra, Australia on Wednesday night, Assange rushed into the arms of his wife and mother of their two children, Stella Assange.

Ms Assange told media he was grateful to all who had supported him, but he was tired, and asked the family be given privacy.

“Julian needs time to recover, to get used to freedom,” Ms Assange said. “Freedom comes slowly, and I want Julian to have that space to rediscover freedom slowly, and quickly.”

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also spoke with Assange over the phone and welcomed him home, saying “I am very pleased that this saga is over.”

Source: ABC News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Historic ties remembered as Greece’s Evzones march in Adelaide’s ANZAC Day parade

During a Dawn Service at West Torrens on Friday, April 25, the Evzones stood guard alongside Australian army battalion in remembrance.

Greek glamour meets Aussie pop: Inside the colourful universe of Stavroula Adameitis

Adelaide-born designer Stavroula Adameitis is a creator of bespoke pieces that she describes as ‘wearable art.’

Melbourne seminar to focus on the odyssey of Michel ‘Pablo’ Raptis

Michel Pablo was a twentieth century revolutionary whose life and ideas remain relevant and inspirational until today.

Lawyer Greg Masselos warns NSW workers’ comp changes could devastate frontline workers

Greg Masselos has warned that proposed changes by the NSW government to raise the threshold for claims could have devastating consequences.

Niki Louca shares how to make Focaccia Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for pita bread with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram.

You May Also Like

Two Greeks named on Australia’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list

Financial Advisors Ben Andreou and Steve Triantafilidis have both taken spots on The Australian’s Top 100 Financial Advisors List.

Stefanos Tsitsipas left in awe over strong Greek support in ATP Cup

"The plan was to stay in the match as long as possible; I had to give my everything to beat Zverev and secure the point for Greece."

Samians of Sydney hold annual dance to mark the Battle of Samos anniversary

The Samian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW 'O Lykourgos' held its annual dance on August 13 to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Samos.