Key Points
- WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange is free following a plea deal with the US Department of Justice.
- Cryptocurrency played a significant role in funding Assange’s legal battles.
Julian Assange, co-founder of WikiLeaks, is now free after a prolonged legal battle that led to him spending almost seven years in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Assange also served an additional five years in a UK prison. Reports indicate that he has negotiated a plea deal with the US Department of Justice and has departed the UK on a private jet.
While the deal is not yet officially finalized, it’s reported that discussions with the Department of Justice resulted in Assange’s exit.
Assange’s Journey to Freedom
Assange’s legal issues began when WikiLeaks published classified documents provided by whistleblower Chelsea Manning. Manning, whose sentence was commuted by President Obama in 2013, faced charges related to the leaked documents. Assange sought refuge in Ecuador’s London embassy to avoid similar charges but eventually violated his bail conditions, resulting in his UK arrest.
Details of the plea deal with the US Department of Justice are currently undisclosed, but it’s suggested that Assange will be sentenced in Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, a US territory.
Interestingly, Assange is expected to receive a five-year sentence, which effectively grants him immediate release, given the five years he has already served in the UK.
The Role of Cryptocurrency
The story of WikiLeaks cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role cryptocurrency played. In a 2014 interview, Assange himself noted the crucial role that Bitcoin and WikiLeaks played in each other’s survival.
Initially, WikiLeaks was hesitant to accept Bitcoin donations, fearing government scrutiny. However, when the organization faced financial restrictions, it turned to Bitcoin, which provided necessary funding and simultaneously bolstered the legitimacy of the digital currency.
Assange’s reliance on crypto extended beyond donations. In 2017, amidst rumors of his death, he used the latest Bitcoin block hash to confirm his well-being. Furthermore, a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) was used to raise funds for his defense. In 2022, this DAO collected over 16,500 Ether, amounting to over $38 million at the time.
