'He Needs Time To Rediscover Freedom': Julian Assange's Wife After 14-Year Legal Saga Ends

Julian Assange's legal team held a press conference in Canberra today, after he secured a release following a plea deal. Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been freed after more than five years in a high-security prison.

Jennifer Robinson, Assange's lawyer, began by detailing the timeline of events leading to his release. She explained that Assange was released from jail in the UK early on Monday morning. Following his release, they spent 12 hours at Stansted Airport before boarding a flight to Bangkok, where Assange entered his plea.

His prosecution has set a dangerous precedent, says Assange's lawyer 

"The agreement is that he will spend no more time in prison," Robinson stated. She further explained that the terms of the plea deal required Assange to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit espionage for publishing evidence of US war crimes and human rights abuses. Robinson emphasized the dangerous precedent this prosecution sets for the media worldwide.

"While the plea deal does not set a decision, the prosecution itself sets a precedent that can be used against the rest of the media," she said. Robinson highlighted the importance for journalists globally to understand the implications of this case.

Assange Grateful to the Australian PM

Robinson also shared Assange's message of gratitude to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, saying that Assange told the PM he had "saved his life." She described the emotional moment when they landed in Australia and the prime minister was the first person to speak to Assange.

"Julian thanked him and the team and told the prime minister that he had saved his life. And I don’t think that that is an exaggeration," Robinson said.

She expressed Assange's deep appreciation for the support from the Australian government and the public, noting that they are delighted he is finally home.

Stella Assange's Emotional Appeal

Stella Assange, Julian's wife, also spoke at the press conference, thanking everyone who supported the campaign to free her husband. She expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Albanese, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian people. She also acknowledged the support from the opposition.

"It took millions of people. It took people working behind the scenes, the people protesting on the streets for days and weeks and months and years. And we achieved it," Stella said.

Becoming emotional, Stella asked for privacy for her family as Julian adjusts to his newfound freedom. She explained that he needs time to recover and get used to his freedoms again.

"Julian needs time to recover. To get used to freedoms. Someone told me yesterday who had been through something similar, that freedom comes slowly. And I want Julian to have that space to rediscover freedom, slowly. And quickly," she said. When Assange's wife was asked if Julian will speak in the coming days, she replied by saying “look, he just arrived in Australia after being in a high security prison for over five years and... A 72-hour flight here or something like that. It’s premature.”

Julian Assange's release marks a significant moment in a prolonged legal battle.