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One of WikiLeaks’ founders, Julian Assange, finally gained his freedom after reaching an agreement with the US Department of Justice (DoJ). Assange, who had been detained in various ways for many years, managed to leave the United Kingdom after a series of lengthy negotiations with US officials. Assange’s release was announced by WikiLeaks on the social media platform X, and it was noted that he boarded a private jet at Stansted Airport.
Julian Assange Spent Seven Years in the Ecuadorian Embassy
Assange’s legal troubles began when he violated bail conditions in the United Kingdom and sought asylum in Ecuador’s London embassy to avoid extradition. The asylum process lasted about seven years. During this time, Assange had to live in the embassy building.
Eventually arrested by UK authorities, Assange fought a major legal battle due to the charges he faced in the US. The charges were related to his role in publishing classified documents provided by former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. Manning’s sentence was commuted by President Barack Obama in 2013.
The Agreement and Prison Sentence
As part of a plea deal, Assange accepted a single espionage charge in exchange for a prison sentence. Assange is expected to be sentenced to five years in prison, with time served for the five years he spent in detention in the UK. His first destination after release will be Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, a US territory, where formalities related to his sentence will be completed.
WikiLeaks has a deep and intertwined history with cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin. In a 2014 interview, Assange highlighted the mutual support between Bitcoin and WikiLeaks. Initially, WikiLeaks avoided accepting Bitcoin due to concerns about attracting unwanted government attention. However, as financial blockades against WikiLeaks intensified, Bitcoin provided the necessary funding. Additionally, the involvement of cryptocurrencies at this point increased Bitcoin’s legitimacy and utility. BTC became a crucial lifeline.
Staying Financially Afloat with Cryptocurrencies
WikiLeaks‘ use of Bitcoin garnered significant attention. This move allowed the organization to stay financially afloat during periods of intense scrutiny and limited access to traditional financial systems.
During Assange’s prolonged legal battles with the US and UK governments, WikiLeaks supporters turned to innovative fundraising methods, including a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO). This DAO successfully raised over 16,500 Ethereum, equivalent to more than $55.2 million at current market prices, to support his legal defense.
A New Era Begins
Assange’s release and the end of his legal ordeal may mark a critical moment in the history of WikiLeaks, an organization that continuously challenges government secrecy and advocates for transparency.
WikiLeaks’ use of cryptocurrencies is intriguing as it demonstrates the evolving landscape of digital finance and its impact on global political and legal arenas. This process appears to herald a new beginning for both Assange and WikiLeaks.
