WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, a figure often shrouded in controversy and headlines, is once again in the spotlight. Emerging from London’s high-security Belmarsh prison after a five-year stay, Assange’s release marks the culmination of intricate diplomatic negotiations.
In a surprising turn of events, Assange, 52, has been set free following a plea deal with the United States. According to a WikiLeaks statement, he was transferred from Belmarsh to London’s Stansted airport on June 24, where he boarded a flight to an undisclosed location. The deal, which required Assange to plead guilty to a single charge of revealing US national defense secrets, paved the way for his release.
Julian Assange had been the subject of clandestine discussions for several months, according to Jared Mondschein, director of research at the University of Sydney’s United States Studies Centre. US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy hinted at a resolution in recent months, indicating ongoing efforts to find a solution to Assange’s prolonged detention.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Assange is set to appear in court in Saipan, the capital of the US territory of Northern Mariana Islands, where he is expected to receive a sentence of five years and two months. Given his time already served in the UK, this would effectively allow him to return to Australia.
The decision to reach a plea deal, rather than dropping the charges, was a strategic move by the US. Mondschein explained that the US sought a guilty plea without bringing Assange to the States, highlighting the complexity of the negotiations.
Political shifts in Australia played a significant role in these developments. After Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took office in May 2022, his administration prioritized Assange’s release. A diplomat involved in the case revealed that Assange had been advised to plead guilty, as it was unlikely the US would simply drop the charges. The diplomat emphasized that changing political winds in the US made the resolution of Assange’s case more urgent.
Prime Minister Albanese has consistently advocated for an end to Assange’s legal battles, even supporting a parliamentary motion calling for his return to Australia. The Australian government’s behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts were crucial in reaching this outcome, according to Emma Shortis, a senior researcher at The Australia Institute think tank. The case was increasingly seen as a significant issue in the context of US-Australia relations, especially following the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine pact.
The intertwined narratives of shared democratic values between the US and Australia, juxtaposed with the contentious Assange case, presented a clear challenge. Johan Lidberg, head of journalism at Monash University, noted that the momentum towards a resolution built over time, driven by both nations seeking to resolve a deadlock that had outlived its utility.
In the end, the strategic and diplomatic efforts across continents unlocked the prison doors for Julian Assange, closing a significant chapter in his tumultuous journey.
