Julian Assange Set Free After Longrunning Extradition Battle
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has finally been set free after years of fighting against extradition to the United States, where he faced potential life imprisonment on espionage charges. Assange's journey has been fraught with legal battles and controversies, with key events shaping his life and career. Born in Australia in 1971, Assange developed a reputation as a talented computer programmer in his youth. In 2006, he founded WikiLeaks, a platform for leaking classified information. The release of the 'Collateral Murder' video in 2010, showing a US helicopter attack in Iraq, garnered international attention. Subsequent leaks of thousands of documents on wars and diplomacy sparked debates on transparency and national security. Assange faced legal challenges, including allegations of sexual offences in Sweden, leading him to seek asylum in Ecuador's embassy in London. Despite various court decisions, appeals, and changes in government stances, Assange remained confined in the embassy. Over the years, developments such as dropping of investigations, revocation of asylum, and extradition requests have kept his fate uncertain. In 2021, a UK judge blocked his extradition to the US, citing mental health concerns. However, subsequent legal proceedings and appeals prolonged his stay in prison. Ultimately, in 2024, a deal with US authorities allowed Assange to walk free upon pleading guilty to some charges. The case of Julian Assange has been a complex and controversial saga, reflecting the intersection of journalism, national security, and individual liberties in the digital age.
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