Julian Assange's Release and WikiLeaks' Legacy

In 2024, Julian Assange was finally released after enduring a decade of captivity, having previously been confined in the Ecuadorian embassy and later in Belmarsh prison. WikiLeaks is recognized as a critical entity in modern journalism, renowned for its massive disclosures that unveiled the hidden operations of powerful institutions, notably the military-industrial complex. However, since 2019, WikiLeaks' ability to publish similar extensive revelations has diminished, raising concerns about whether other platforms or sources can fill this gap. The conversation underscores the essential role of whistleblowers, like Chelsea Manning, in providing critical information, along with the collaborative efforts of journalists and media organizations that translated raw leaks into impactful stories.