Assange Returns to Australia
For nearly 15 years, the Australian has been avoiding authorities attempting to extradite him to the United States.
A joyful Julian Assange reunited with his wife Stella upon his emotional return to Australia as a convicted U.S. criminal.
Arriving in a cold Canberra, Assange was greeted by U.S. Ambassador Kevin Rudd and UK High Commissioner Stephen Smith.
After an extensive journey and a court appearance in Saipan, he emerged from a private jet raising his fist, giving a thumbs up, and acknowledging a small group of supporters and media.
He then walked toward his wife Stella, embracing her with a kiss before hugging his father John Shipton.
Throughout his time on the run, Assange has been evading authorities seeking to extradite him to the United States on espionage charges for leaking confidential government information.
Spending close to seven years in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London and later being imprisoned in a high-security UK facility for five years, he contested his extradition.
On Wednesday, he secured his freedom by pleading guilty to a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified U.S. national defense documents and received a 62-month sentence, which he had already served.
Shortly after his release, he left court in Saipan and boarded a chartered flight to Canberra.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed relief that the ordeal was over and welcomed Assange back home to Australia.
He acknowledged the United States and the United Kingdom for their cooperation in facilitating Assange’s return.
Assange described his return to Australia as “surreal and happy” during a conversation with Mr. Albanese, who refrained from disclosing whether they would meet.
U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy expressed gratitude toward the Australian government for their support throughout the process.
Assange’s return marked the conclusion of a long and challenging legal battle.
The Australian opposition finance spokeswoman Jane Hume, while stating that Assange was not a hero, welcomed his return.
Following the court hearing in Saipan, Assange’s lawyer Barry Pollack affirmed that no harm resulted from Assange’s publications.
Jennifer Robinson, a key member of Assange’s legal team, expressed immense relief at the outcome and thanked the Australian government and Assange’s supporters.
For Assange’s supporters, his release was a moment of triumph for freedom of expression and justice.
The Assange family celebrated his freedom, with his father John Shipton commending the Australian government for their efforts.
By Kat Wong, Tess Ikonomou, Aaron Sheldrick, and Jacob Shteyman in Sydney.
