Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, made his first public appearance on October 1, 2024, since his release from Belmarsh Prison, where he had been incarcerated for over four years. Speaking to lawmakers at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg, France, Assange did not hold back on his views about the U.S. government, stating he was forced to "plead guilty to journalism," following his long battle against extradition and prosecution.
During the session, which was broadcast live, he explained the harsh realities of his confinement, emphasizing the psychological toll of prolonged isolation. "The experience of isolation for years in a small cell is difficult to convey," he said, reflecting on how it stripped away one’s sense of self.
Assange's appearance marked the culmination of over 14 years of legal battles against extradition to the United States, where he faced serious charges, including violations of the Espionage Act related to publishing classified government documents. The plea arrangement he accepted allowed him to depart the prison but also meant he could not pursue legal claims against the U.S. for his treatment or seek justice through the European Court of Human Rights.
"I eventually chose freedom over unrealizable justice after being detained for years and facing a 175-year sentence, with no effective remedy," Assange stated. His comments echoed sentiments he and his supporters had expressed previously about the threat his case represented for journalistic freedom.
Assange's release came about after he pled guilty to conspiring to obtain and disclose U.S. documents as part of negotiations with U.S. authorities. He received a sentence equivalent to the time he had already served, which raised eyebrows about the fairness of such legal outcomes for journalists.
Tensions have long surrounded Assange's case, particularly since the U.S. government had identified him as a primary target post-2010 following WikiLeaks' release of sensitive military and diplomatic documents. This included harrowing footage showing U.S. airstrikes killing civilians and journalists, highlighting the dangers journalists face when reporting on military activities.
Stella Assange, Julian's wife, stood by his side during the address, providing insight on his mental health state following years of confinement. She remarked, "It's clear Julian has not only suffered in the past but continues to suffer from the very prolonged and extreme torturous harsh conditions he was subjected to for so many years." She underscored the family's focus on his recovery as the top priority, stating, "Everything else is secondary."
Krisinn Hrafnsson, the editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks, also attended the assembly, stressing the precedent Assange's conviction sets for journalism worldwide. He asserted, "You need to take away the dagger. It has now been bloodied once. And if there is no reaction and no political desire to take this weapon out of any politician’s hand, it will be used again," highlighting the potential ramifications for investigative reporting.
Assange accused the U.S. government of maneuvering behind the scenes during his extradition proceedings. He alleged plans drawn up by the CIA when Mike Pompeo was director aimed at his abduction, depicting the intense scrutiny he faced from powerful intelligence agencies. He claimed, "The CIA's targeting of myself, my family and associates through aggressive extrajudicial and extraterritorial means provides insight on how powerful intelligence organizations engage in transnational repression."
Reflecting on the broader implications, Assange argued, "I am not free today because the system worked. I am free today because after years of incarceration, I pled guilty to journalism." His remarks have led many to question the current state of press freedom and the protections available to journalists who expose governmental misconduct.
PACE rapporteur Thorhildur Sunna Aevarsdottir echoed these concerns, emphasizing the failure of the system to protect those who seek to inform the public about human rights violations. She noted, "Instead of prosecuting the perpetrators of the crimes so disclosed, the United States decided to prosecute the whistleblower and the publisher. Instead of convicting war criminals, they convicted the whistleblower and journalist."
Despite his physical and mental struggles post-release, Assange remains adamant about his commitment to journalism and his vision for WikiLeaks to be a tool to hold power accountable. "My goal as the founder of WikiLeaks was to hold power to account; through dialogue and transparency, we might bring about something more just," he stated.
His future plans remain uncertain, but Hrafnsson hinted at Assange's continuing role within WikiLeaks, stating, "I’m certain there will be a role and of course, there is recognition of the work and legacy of Julian Assange and how he contributed substantially to the history of journalism this century."
While Assange may now be free from prison, the controversy surrounding his legal agreements and the precedence they set for journalism remains at the forefront of discourse surrounding press freedom. His appearance serves as both a personal testimony of suffering and a clarion call for clearer protections for those who dare to challenge powerful interests.
