Assange's Statement and Legal Journey
, the founder of , declared his freedom was a result of "pleading guilty to journalism" after a lengthy legal battle, addressing European lawmakers in his first public comments since release.
Assange's plea deal with prosecutors concluded his fight against extradition to the U.S. over publishing classified military documents, sentencing him to time served after five years in UK custody.
Criticism and Support
While Assange's actions were praised by press freedom advocates for exposing U.S. military conduct, critics argue they jeopardized national security and put lives at risk.
Assange's case has sparked debate on press freedom, with some seeing him as a martyr for free speech and others as a reckless individual endangering lives and security.