Julian Assange's Court Hearing and Release

SOURCE www.independent.co.uk
Julian Assange arrives in Saipan for court hearing, pleads guilty to US espionage law, and plans to reunite with family in Australia after being released from prison in the UK.

Key Points

  • Assange pleads guilty to an Espionage Act charge in Saipan.
  • US has dropped 17 other espionage charges against him.
  • After the hearing, he plans to fly to Australia to reunite with his family.
  • His wife expresses gratitude and anger over his lengthy imprisonment.
  • Assange had been living in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London before his detention in Belmarsh.

Pros

  • Julian Assange pleads guilty to one Espionage Act charge and the US drops 17 other charges.
  • He plans to reunite with his family in Australia after being released from prison.
  • Assange's release is seen as a victory for journalists by international organizations.

Cons

  • Assange spent five years in Belmarsh Prison in London, largely in solitary confinement.
  • He had been locked in a lengthy legal battle over his extradition to the US.