The Saga of Wikileaks' Julian Assange is Finally Coming to an End
Jun 26, 2024
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Julian Assange, Wikileaks founder, on the brink of a plea deal with the US after years of legal battles. The podcast delves into the impact of Wikileaks' leaks, collaboration with media, Chelsea Manning's role, and struggles with donations and Bitcoin. It also covers Assange's asylum, arrest, journalistic status, legal battles, and the Biden administration's role.
Julian Assange's release on bail was facilitated by a plea deal with US authorities, including a guilty plea to a felony charge.
WikiLeaks was founded in 2006 with a mission to expose corruption and malfeasance, gaining global attention with releases like the 'Collateral Murder' video.
Deep dives
Julian Assange's Release from Prison
After five years of imprisonment, Julian Assange has been released on bail following a plea deal with US authorities. The deal includes a guilty plea to one felony charge of conspiracy to receive and disclose classified US national defense documents, with a 62-month sentence, aiming to see Assange return to Australia after being in Belmarsh prison. The release was a result of a global campaign supported by various groups, and Australia's political pressure played a significant role in pushing for Assange's freedom.
WikiLeaks and Impact on Journalism
WikiLeaks was founded in 2006 with a mission to disclose leaked documents exposing corruption and malfeasance. The organization's early leaks focused on oppressive regimes and corporate misconduct. By 2010, WikiLeaks captured global attention by releasing the 'Collateral Murder' video, showcasing a US military helicopter attacking civilians in Baghdad, sparking public debate. WikiLeaks continued to publish sensitive information, including documents related to the Afghan and Iraq wars and diplomatic cables, challenging traditional power structures and press freedoms.
Legal Battles and Implications of Assange's Case
Julian Assange's journey included seeking asylum in Ecuador's embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition, facing backlash for WikiLeaks' role in publishing politically sensitive material during the US elections. Legal challenges intensified, culminating in the US formally charging Assange under the Espionage Act. The case raised debates on press freedom, with concerns over the precedent set by prosecuting a journalist for publishing sensitive government information. As the Biden administration navigates the complex case, the episode underscores the ongoing struggle to balance national security and journalistic integrity.
After 5 years in prison in the UK (and nearly 5 years before that holed away in the Ecuador embassy in London), Julian Assange is on the verge of a plea deal with the United States that would let him return home to Australia. NLW gives the full wild story.
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