Julian Assange released from British prison after reaching a settlement with US authorities

The legal battle surrounding Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, took a significant turn as he appealed his extradition to the United States. The central issue of the appeal was whether Assange, a foreign national on trial in America, would be afforded the same freedom of expression protections as American citizens under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.The legal battle surrounding Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, took a significant turn as he appealed his extradition to the United States. The central issue of the appeal was whether Assange, a foreign national on trial in America, would be afforded the same freedom of expression protections as American citizens under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Amidst the ongoing proceedings, the appeal was unexpectedly withdrawn, leaving a glimmer of hope for Assange’s supporters. President Joe Biden had been facing mounting pressure to drop the long-standing case against Assange. In February, the Australian government formally requested Assange’s release, and Biden indicated he would consider the plea, raising optimism that Assange’s ordeal could be nearing an end. Australia’s government argued that Assange’s case had “gone on for too long” and that his continued imprisonment served no purpose. Emma Shortis, a senior researcher at the Australia Institute think tank, asserted that both Canberra and Washington recognized the need for a resolution. According to Shortis, Assange’s case posed a potential strain on the U.S.-Australia alliance, making its conclusion imperative.

The appeal concerned whether, as a foreigner on trial in America, he would enjoy the freedom of expression protections afforded by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The settlement was not entirely unexpected. President Joe Biden was under increasing pressure to drop the long-running case against Assange.

In February, Australia’s government made an official request to this effect and Biden said he would consider it, raising hopes among Assange supporters that his ordeal would end.

The Australian government said Assange’s case “has gone on for too long and there is nothing to be gained from his continued incarceration.”

Emma Shortis, a senior researcher at the Australia Institute think tank, told AFP that both Canberra and Washington “recognized that this had to end”.

“There was no way this wasn’t going to be an issue for the (US-Australia) alliance,” Shortis said.