cross-posted from: https://lemmy.crimedad.work/post/98778
JULIAN ASSANGE IS FREE
Julian Assange is free. He left Belmarsh maximum security prison on the morning of 24 June, after having spent 1901 days there. He was granted bail by the High Court in London and was released at Stanstead airport during the afternoon, where he boarded a plane and departed the UK.
This is the result of a global campaign that spanned grass-roots organisers, press freedom campaigners, legislators and leaders from across the political spectrum, all the way to the United Nations. This created the space for a long period of negotiations with the US Department of Justice, leading to a deal that has not yet been formally finalised. We will provide more information as soon as possible.
After more than five years in a 2x3 metre cell, isolated 23 hours a day, he will soon reunite with his wife Stella Assange, and their children, who have only known their father from behind bars.
WikiLeaks published groundbreaking stories of government corruption and human rights abuses, holding the powerful accountable for their actions. As editor-in-chief, Julian paid severely for these principles,and for the people’s right to know.
As he returns to Australia, we thank all who stood by us, fought for us, and remained utterly committed in the fight for his freedom.
Julian’s freedom is our freedom.
[More details to follow]
At the very beginning of learning about Assange, over many years, I was conflicted. I didn’t know how to process his actions against the legal system (USA or otherwise).
I believe, deep inside my self, that he should be free and has done a great service to humanity.
I, also, believe that I will learn more about his service as time goes by.
What part of what he did was actually illegal?
There is an allegation about him helping/inciting/collaborating/conspiring with Manning to break a password that would allow them to access information requiring a higher security clearance.
It’s a serious accusation, and it’s compounded by suspicions of him favoring Russia in his filtering of leak releases, but it’s still crazy the amount of time he’s been not-free because of something he hasn’t been tried or found guilty of.
Don’t you know journalism is illegal in the US?