Julian Assange's Plea: A Quest for Freedom Over Justice

Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, told European lawmakers that his guilty plea to U.S. espionage charges was necessary due to insufficient legal and political efforts to secure his freedom. Released after 14 years, Assange spoke at the Council of Europe, highlighting his struggle and future plans to advocate for whistleblower protection.

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, testified before European lawmakers, stating his guilty plea to U.S. espionage charges was essential because legal and political defenses failed to secure his freedom. 'I chose freedom over an unrealisable justice,' Assange declared in his first public address since his release from prison.

Assange, 53, returned to Australia in June after a deal saw him plead guilty to violating U.S. espionage laws, concluding a 14-year British legal saga. 'I am free today because I pleaded guilty to journalism, to acquiring and disseminating information to the public,' he stated.

WikiLeaks in 2010 leaked classified U.S. military documents on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, prompting his indictment under the Espionage Act. A Council of Europe report deemed Assange a political prisoner, urging Britain to investigate his alleged inhumane treatment. Assange, flanked by his wife and WikiLeaks' editor, described the toll of isolation but expressed hope in raising awareness for whistleblowers' protection.

(With inputs from agencies.)