Julian Assange pleaded guilty to a felony charge of violating the U.S. Espionage Act in a U.S. courtroom in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, clearing the way for his return to Australia after over five years in British custody. The plea deal, supported by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, was made amidst legal challenges and urgent fundraising efforts for his travel costs.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange pleaded guilty to a felony charge of violating the U.S. Espionage Act on June 25, 2024, in a U.S. courtroom in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. The plea deal allows Assange to return to Australia after more than five years in British custody due to extradition battles.
Assange appeared in court with his lawyer, Jennifer Robinson, and Kevin Rudd, the Australian ambassador to the U.S. His wife, Stella, made an urgent fund-raising appeal on social media to cover his $520,000 chartered flight costs.
In court, Assange stated he saw his actions as journalistic and constitutionally protected but acknowledged the legal challenges. His return was supported by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and politicians from various spectrums. Assange’s arrival in Australia is expected by the end of the day.
