Assange to Give First Public Address Since Prison Release

Julian Assange, the controversial founder of WikiLeaks, is set to make his first public address since his release from prison earlier this year. The 53-year-old will speak before the Council of Europe on October 1, 2024, in Strasbourg, France. This marks a significant moment in Assange’s ongoing legal and public battle, as it is his first appearance since leaving the United Kingdom’s Belmarsh Prison in June, following a plea deal with U.S. authorities.

Assange's upcoming testimony will focus on his case and its broader implications, particularly around issues of press freedom and human rights. The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly has been investigating his treatment, concluding that Assange had been subjected to inhumane conditions and potentially politically motivated legal actions. His participation is seen as pivotal as the legal committee looks into whether Assange's prosecution violated fundamental rights​.

His release from Belmarsh Prison in June came after striking a plea agreement that required him to admit guilt in violating U.S. espionage laws. The charges stem from his role in publishing hundreds of thousands of classified military and diplomatic documents related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan back in 2010. The U.S. has long contended that the leaks endangered lives, while Assange has maintained that his actions were in the public interest and did not result in any harm​.

Since his release, Assange has been in recovery and largely out of the public eye, residing in his native Australia. His upcoming address marks a critical point in his long-running legal saga, which has seen him spend seven years seeking asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London before his arrest in 2019. During his time in Belmarsh, his health deteriorated significantly, and he was reportedly subjected to harsh conditions, including prolonged solitary confinement.

The Council of Europe has expressed particular concern about the treatment Assange received in prison. Earlier reports suggest that Assange had been subjected to psychological torture and other inhumane conditions, drawing international condemnation. This ongoing scrutiny has amplified calls for the U.S. to reconsider its stance on Assange, especially as he continues to assert that his case is politically motivated. The Parliamentary Assembly’s report, which Assange will respond to, has urged the U.S. to investigate the handling of his case​.

For supporters, Assange’s speech is a major victory in his fight against what they see as unjust persecution by Western governments. His backers have included journalists, human rights organizations, and even some governments, who argue that his prosecution represents a broader threat to press freedom globally. The outcome of his case may set a precedent on how whistleblowers and journalists are treated when handling classified information.

Assange's testimony is expected to refocus attention on his role in WikiLeaks and the wider debate about government transparency versus national security. His revelations from 2010 remain some of the most significant leaks in recent history, shedding light on U.S. military operations and diplomatic cables. While the leaks were celebrated by transparency advocates, they triggered fierce backlash from intelligence and military officials, particularly in Washington​.

Despite his freedom, Assange’s legal battles are far from over. His return to public life is likely to reignite discussions about the role of whistleblowers, press freedom, and the boundaries of government secrecy. As he prepares for his address in Strasbourg, many eyes will be watching to see how the international community, especially the U.S., reacts to this new chapter in the Assange saga.

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