25-6-2024 (LONDON) Julian Assange, the controversial founder of WikiLeaks, has been released from British custody after a grueling five-year ordeal. The news was met with an outpouring of gratitude from his wife, Mrs. Stella Assange, who took to social media to express her profound appreciation for the unwavering support of campaigners worldwide.
“Julian is free!!!!” she exclaimed on the platform X, following confirmation that her husband had left the confines of Belmarsh high-security prison in south-east London. “Words cannot express our immense gratitude” to everyone who had backed the global push for his release, she added, her words ringing with relief and elation.
This should never have happened, but finally, Julian Assange is free.#freepress #firstamendement pic.twitter.com/8inNpvknxu
— Tulsi Gabbard ???? (@TulsiGabbard) June 25, 2024
Mrs. Assange first met the Australian publisher while he was sequestered in Ecuador’s London embassy, seeking refuge from extradition to Sweden over sexual assault charges that were later dropped. Assange’s legal battles, however, were far from over, as he faced accusations of divulging U.S. military secrets related to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Despite being due back in court in London in July after winning an appeal against extradition, WikiLeaks issued a statement announcing Assange’s unexpected release: “Julian Assange is free. He left Belmarsh maximum security prison on the morning of June 24, after having spent 1,901 days there.”
The media freedom group credited sustained campaigning, from grassroots supporters to political leaders and the United Nations, for “creating the space for a long period of negotiations with the U.S. Department of Justice,” leading to a deal that has yet to be formally finalized.
Assange’s mother, Ms. Christine Assange, echoed the sentiment of relief, stating on June 25 that her son’s “ordeal is finally coming to an end.” In a statement to Australian media, she expressed gratitude for the power of “quiet diplomacy” and thanked those who prioritized her son’s welfare over personal agendas.
“The past 14 years has obviously taken a toll on me as a mother, so I wish to thank you in advance for respecting my privacy,” she added, acknowledging the immense strain of the prolonged legal battle.
Assange, initially detained for skipping bail in relation to the Swedish case, had been held in custody while the U.S. extradition request wound its way through the courts. Now, he will be reunited with his wife, whom he married in a ceremony at the prison, and their two young children, according to WikiLeaks.
The organization praised Assange’s contributions, stating, “WikiLeaks published ground-breaking stories of government corruption and human rights abuses, holding the powerful accountable for their actions.” As the editor-in-chief, “Julian paid severely for these principles, and for the people’s right to know.”
As Assange returns to Australia, WikiLeaks extended its gratitude to all those who “stood by us, fought for us, and remained utterly committed in the fight for his freedom. Julian’s freedom is our freedom.”
