Julian Assange's Return to Australia
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange returned home to Australia as a free man after pleading guilty in a deal that ended his legal battle over the publication of U.S. military secrets. He was sentenced to the time served in the UK and reunited with his family.
Key Points
- Assange pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information.
- He was sentenced to the time he had already served in the UK.
- Assange's legal troubles began in 2010 when he was arrested in London at the request of Sweden.
Pros
- Julian Assange is reunited with his family after years of legal battles.
- Assange's guilty plea ended his prolonged legal saga over the publication of classified documents.
Cons
- Assange still owes the Australian government $520,000 for the cost of his flight home.
- His return has sparked concerns about the implications for journalists and national security.