Julian Assange's First Public Appearance: Testifies at Council of Europe, Highlights Guilty Plea to Journalism After 14 Years Detained

Oct 1, 2024, 09:28 AM

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, made his first public appearance since his release from prison, addressing the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. Assange emphasized that he is not free because the system worked but because he pled guilty to journalism after years of incarceration, including 14 years detained in the UK and facing a 175-year sentence. His testimony highlighted the challenges faced by journalists and the increasing threats to freedom of expression. Assange expressed regret over the diminishing space for truth and the growing retaliation against those who seek to expose it. He also described how the CIA persecuted him, his family, and colleagues. Assange called for a renewed commitment to protecting journalistic freedom and ensuring that journalists are not prosecuted for doing their jobs.