Julian Assange, A Free Man, Lands in Sydney | First Visuals

New Delhi: Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has finally returned to his home country Australia aboard a charter jet as a free man as his prolonged legal battle with the United States came to an end. Assange, who had faced charges related to the publication of classified documents, had been embroiled in a decade-long legal struggle that saw him seeking asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London and later being held in a UK prison. His arrival in Australia marks a significant chapter in a case that has sparked global debates on press freedom and government transparency. Supporters welcomed Assange's return, viewing it as a triumph for investigative journalism and free speech. 

“Touchdown! After enduring nearly 14 years of arbitrary detention in the UK, 5 years in maximum security prison, for his groundbreaking publishing work with WikiLeaks, Julian Assange has arrived home on Australian soil", tweeted Wikileaks.   

Assange flew from a London prison to Saipan on a charter jet before continuing on the same aircraft to Canberra. He was accompanied by Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Stephen Smith, who played pivotal roles in negotiating his release with authorities in London and Washington. The flights were funded by the “Assange team,” according to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, who noted that the Australian government facilitated the transport.

Addressing Parliament, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attributed Assange's freedom to his government's "careful, patient, and determined work." He highlighted the extensive diplomatic efforts over the past two years to resolve the issue. Jennifer Robinson, Assange's lawyer, praised Albanese’s leadership and diplomacy, which she credited with achieving this outcome. It remains uncertain where Assange will go from Canberra or what his future plans are. His wife, Stella Assange, and their two children have been in Australia awaiting his release.

Assange's lawyer Barry Pollack stated that Assange would likely continue his advocacy for freedom of speech and government transparency. Assange’s father, John Shipton, expressed hope that his son could now enjoy a peaceful life with his family.

The plea deal that secured Assange's freedom required him to admit guilt to a single felony count but allowed him to return to Australia without serving time in an American prison. He was sentenced to the five years he had already served in the UK, avoiding a potentially lengthy prison sentence in the US. Assange had previously spent seven years in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.

This resolution marks the end of a legal saga that posed challenges for both sides. The US Justice Department avoided a trial that might never have occurred due to the slow extradition process, while Assange accepted the consequences of his actions, despite his belief that the Espionage Act conflicted with the First Amendment.

Assange's legal troubles began in 2010 with the release of classified documents, leading to accusations of endangering lives and collaborating with former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. Supporters lauded his role in revealing military misconduct, but critics argued he jeopardized national security. The case also involved a 2019 indictment and a dropped Swedish investigation into sexual assault allegations.

After losing asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in 2019, Assange was arrested by British police and spent five years in prison while fighting US extradition. Despite concerns about his treatment in the US, Assange secured a deal that prevented prison time in America, contradicting fears of harsh penalties. Last month, he won the right to appeal the extradition order, further complicating his legal journey. 

Stella Assange expressed relief at the deal's success, describing the tense 72 hours leading up to it. Assange left the London prison after being granted bail in a secret hearing, marking the end of a significant chapter in his life and legal battles.