LONDON, England: Julian Assange’s wife, Stella, expressed her deep gratitude to supporters after the WikiLeaks founder was released from Belmarsh high-security prison in London. “Julian is free!!!!” she exclaimed on social media, thanking everyone who participated in the global campaign for his release.
Assange, who was accused of leaking US military secrets related to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, faced extradition to the United States. Initially, he had been detained for skipping bail related to a now-dropped Swedish sexual assault case and had spent 1,901 days in custody. Before his arrest, he sought asylum in Ecuador’s London embassy to avoid extradition.
WikiLeaks confirmed his release, stating, “Julian Assange is free. He left Belmarsh maximum security prison on the morning of June 24.” The High Court in London granted him bail, and he departed the UK from Stansted airport.
The organization credited persistent efforts from grassroots supporters, political leaders, and the United Nations, which paved the way for negotiations with the US Department of Justice, leading to a tentative deal. Although the deal has not yet been finalized, the media freedom group highlighted Assange’s role in exposing government corruption and human rights abuses.
Stella Assange, who met Julian during his time in the Ecuadorian embassy, highlighted the significant sacrifices he made for his principles and the public’s right to know. Assange will now reunite with his wife and their two young children, whom he married in a prison ceremony.
“We thank all who stood by us, fought for us, and remained utterly committed in the fight for his freedom,” the statement read. “Julian’s freedom is our freedom.”
