Julian Assange Speaks Publicly Following Release From Prison

Julian Assange Speaks Publicly Following Release From Prison

Julian Assange has spoken publicly for the first time since his release from prison, igniting new discussions around his case and journalism.

At a Glance

  • Assange spoke publicly for the first time since his release from prison.
  • He addressed the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France.
  • Assange condemned the system and detailed his struggles during incarceration.
  • He was released after a plea deal with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Assange’s First Public Appearance

Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, made his first public remarks since his release from a British prison this past June. For years, his extradition was sought by U.S. authorities over charges of espionage over thousands of sensitive documents published on WikiLeaks.

On October 1, Assange addressed the legal and human rights committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. Alongside his wife and Kristinn Hrafnsson, the editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks, Assange shared his observations and reflections on his detention, comments that have drawn significant attention and sparked renewed debate.

Supporters greeted Assange with banners and applause as he entered the Council of Europe building. Assange described the difficulties he faced during his incarceration and the impact it had on him both mentally and physically. He apologized for his faltering words and unpolished presentation, attributing it to the struggle of staying alive amid harsh conditions. “It strips away one’s sense of self, leaving only the raw essence of existence,” he said.

Assange’s Critique of the System

Assange condemned the “system” that saw him imprisoned, asserting that he was not freed because justice prevailed, but because he “pled guilty to journalism.” He noted the bitter irony in his freedom, claiming the plea deal was essentially an admission to practicing journalism, even when the information exposed involved critical issues of public concern.

Assange was greeted by supporters and his statements captured the essence of what many see as a fundamental battle for press freedom. The significance of his role in releasing classified U.S. military records, which included exposing military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, was not lost on his advocates who referred to his actions as crucial journalistic endeavors.

Controversy and Reactions

Assange spent seven years in self-imposed exile at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London before serving five years in a British prison. His recent statements have highlighted concerns over efforts to criminalize journalism internationally. He claimed his freedom came at the cost of pleading “guilty to journalism,” emphasizing the importance and threats to freedom of expression.

“My wife and my infant son were also targeted,” Assange claimed, detailing that a CIA asset was assigned to track his wife and that there were instructions to acquire DNA from his child’s nappy.

The controversy surrounding Assange remains fiercely debated. Critics accuse him of endangering national security and lives, while his supporters celebrate his contributions to transparency and press freedom. The allegations against former CIA Director Mike Pompeo, including plans to kidnap and assassinate Assange, have only added to the fervor.

Sources

  1. Julian Assange makes first public statement since being freed: ‘I pled guilty to journalism’
  2. Julian Assange says he chose freedom in first public appearance since prison release
  3. Julian Assange Condemns the ‘System’ in First Public Remarks Since Release