Hero for some, enemy for many: Julian Assange is back home after 14 years

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange finally walks free after years-long legal battle. Assange's release comes at a crucial moment and many fear that he will be able to deflect the winds in the upcoming US Presidential Elections in November in 2024.

Author
Mayank Kasyap
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Courtesy: X/RT_com

New Delhi: After fourteen long years of battling with the administrations across nations, major geopolitical lobbyists, envious take from world leaders, Julian Assange's flight finally touched down  Australia's capital Canberra. His family and hordes of supporters were eagerly waiting for him to finally come back home. He has was reunited with his wife and father as they stood with hope of reuniting for fourteen long years. 

Assange's release comes at a crucial moment and many fear that he will be able to deflect the winds in the upcoming US Presidential Elections in November in 2024.

Hero or enemy?

Assange, a 52-year-old Australian, is revered by some as a fearless advocate for press freedom. His rise to prominence came with the publication of classified US military documents, including the infamous Iraq and Afghanistan war logs. These leaks exposed sensitive information and sparked global debate.

However, others view Assange as reckless. They criticize his handling of classified information, arguing that he endangered lives in the process.

What is Julian Assange's controversy: Hacking, leaks and asylum

Assange's life has been intertwined with controversy. As a teenager, his talent for hacking caught the attention of authorities. He later founded WikiLeaks, a platform for whistleblowers to expose government secrets.

In 2010, WikiLeaks published explosive documents detailing the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This triggered legal battles on multiple fronts.

Facing allegations of sexual assault in Sweden (which he denied), Assange sought asylum in Ecuador's London embassy in 2012. He spent seven years confined within the embassy walls, ultimately comparing his situation to living in space.

In 2019, a change in Ecuadorian leadership led to Assange being evicted from the embassy and arrested by British authorities. The Swedish rape investigation was dropped, but the US pursued charges under the Espionage Act.

What is Julian Assange's plea deal? 

After a lengthy extradition battle, Assange reached a deal with US prosecutors just two weeks before a crucial court hearing. He pleaded guilty to a single charge in exchange for his freedom.

This agreement marks the end of a tumultuous period for Assange. He has now traveled to the Northern Mariana Islands, a US territory, where he will face limited sentencing.

Assange's story continues to spark debate. Whether a champion of transparency or a reckless figure, his impact on global affairs and the world of journalism remains undeniable.