“When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.” – Thomas Jefferson¹

Recently, Julian Assange made a surprising decision. He admitted guilt to a single felony charge. This charge was about leaking classified U.S. government secrets through his organization, WikiLeaks¹. This marks the end of his many years of fighting legal battles. Now, Assange can think about going back home to Australia. There, he looks forward to reuniting with his family after facing legal issues for almost 14 years.

Julian Assange has always stood for revealing the truth. He strongly supports free speech. His work with WikiLeaks made him a big name in 2010. This was after Wikileaks leaked secrets about the Afghan war and a video showing a U.S. military attack that killed journalists and civilians. This video shed light on the realities of war and the dangers of too much government power¹. It was a critical point in Wikileaks’ history, showing the need for more transparency in our world.

Key Takeaways

• Julian Assange pleaded guilty to a single felony charge related to the disclosure of classified U.S. government information, ending a yearslong legal battle.
• Assange’s WikiLeaks organization rose to prominence in 2010 after leaking classified documents and a video showing a U.S. military attack that killed civilians, sparking global outrage.
• The U.S. government accused Assange of endangering lives and national security through his leaks, leading to his 12-year legal battle and prosecution under the Espionage Act.
• Assange’s plea deal allows him to return to Australia, where he will be reunited with his family after nearly 14 years of legal troubles.
• The case has raised concerns about press freedom and the prosecution of whistleblowers, with Assange’s supporters hailing the deal as a victory for transparency advocacy.

WikiLeaks Founder Admits Obtaining Classified Information

Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, has pleaded guilty to a felony charge. This charge was about the disclosure of national defense information. It marked the end of a long legal fight². He admitted to breaking the Espionage Act by sharing U.S. military secrets about Iraq and Afghanistan². Assange made a deal and was freed from prison after 62 months².

The U.S. Department of Justice indicted Assange in 2019. He faced 17 counts of espionage and a computer misuse charge³. He admitted to conspiring to get and share secret U.S. defense info². This included over 90,000 Afghanistan and 400,000 Iraq war documents. These releases made headlines in 2010².

Chelsea Manning leaked those papers to WikiLeaks. She was in jail for seven years but got her sentence shortened by President Obama². Assange avoided facing charges in Sweden by staying in Ecuador’s London embassy. Eventually, he was in Belmarsh Prison for skipping bail².

Classified Information Leaks and Legal Consequences

Assange tried to get secret U.S. info. This included war reports and diplomatic cables³. The info was highly classified, meaning its release could seriously hurt national security³.

If found guilty, Assange could get up to 10 years for each charge. But the law says he’s innocent till proven in court³.

Offense	Maximum Penalty
Espionage Act Violations	10 years in prison per offense
Conspiracy to Commit Computer Intrusion	5 years in prison

In a twist, Assange admitted to a charge about US national defense docs⁴. Judge Ramona Manglona gave him a sentence matching his time in UK prison, five years and two months⁴. This was his time in the UK while avoiding U.S. extradition⁴.

He spent over five years in a UK high-security prison and seven inside Ecuador’s embassy⁴. Despite facing 18 charges, the plea deal spared him from more jail time⁴. A court in Saipan was picked for Assange’s hearing, closer to his Australian home and away from the U.S. mainland⁴.

“This is a welcome development, and I’ve been very clear in calling for Mr. Assange to be able to return to Australia,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese⁴.

After his release, Assange’s lawyer, Jennifer Robinson, called it a historic moment. She thanked the Australian PM for helping⁴²³.

The WikiLeaks Disclosures and Their Impact

Julian Assange and WikiLeaks have been at the center of global debate⁵. Today, Assange, age 52, admitted to working with Chelsea Manning. Their aim was to get and share secret government documents about national defense⁵. Manning accessed these documents between January and May 2010. The U.S. government classified many of these documents as SECRET⁵. After getting these documents, Assange published them on the WikiLeaks website in 2010 and 2011⁵.

These documents included videos from the U.S. military, like the one showing an Apache helicopter attack in Baghdad. This attack killed innocent people and shocked the world⁶. In April 2010, WikiLeaks released a video showing another U.S. helicopter attack. This one from 2007 led to the death of 12 people in Baghdad⁶. These events caused a global stir. They forced people to question U.S. actions abroad, the need for transparency, and the importance of those who speak out against wrongs⁶.

The impact of WikiLeaks’ actions was huge. They shared documents on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with diplomatic reports. This gave us a peek into what happened behind government doors⁶. In 2010, they published over 91,000 documents on the Afghanistan war. Then, in October, they released 400,000 U.S. files about the Iraq war from 2004 to 2009⁶. These were major leaks in U.S. history, encouraging a worldwide conversation about truth, the role of whistleblowers, and where to draw the line on government secrecy.

Assange and WikiLeaks’ Impact on Government Transparency

The work of Assange and WikiLeaks shed light on the U.S.’s part in foreign conflicts. They did this by releasing secret military information and videos. People around the world were shocked and started demanding more openness and accountability from their governments⁶. These revelations showed the cost of these conflicts on human lives and the risks of government going too far⁶. They sparked a movement for more truth and the protection of those who expose it⁶.

“The Pentagon Papers showed how the U.S. government had systematically lied to the public about the Vietnam War. The WikiLeaks disclosures showed how the U.S. government had been engaged in similar deceptions about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.” – Edward Snowden, former NSA contractor and whistleblower

Assange and WikiLeaks have deeply impacted global discussions about government transparency and the rights of the public to be informed⁶. These debates are still ongoing, with legal battles and discussions continuing. The effects of WikiLeaks’ actions are still evident today⁶⁵⁷.

Julian Assange pleads guilty

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has admitted to a felony. This was about national defense information he shared⁸. His guilty plea ends a long fight with the U.S. government. It also means he can head back to Australia⁹.

His plea follows years of media attention and debates. These debates focused on government secrets, protecting whistleblowers, and freedom of the press⁸. By pleading guilty, Assange avoids more jail time. He’s also getting credit for the time he spent in custody, resisting extradition to the U.S¹⁰..

Assange’s charges relate to his work with Chelsea Manning. She leaked classified information, shining a light on possible war crimes by the U.S⁸⁹.. The U.S. Justice Department accused him of a major leak of classified details⁸.

Key Developments	Details
Plea Deal	Assange pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose information related to the national defense10.
Sentencing	Assange expects a 62-month prison sentence. This includes time he spent in the UK’s Belmarsh Prison810.
Collaboration with Whistleblower	Assange and Chelsea Manning worked together. They revealed important information. Manning’s sentence was later commuted by President Obama89.
Assange’s Health Concerns	Assange had health problems while in prison, including a small stroke in 20219.

Some people see the plea as a win for the press. They say the charges were too tough on journalists reporting in the public’s interest⁹. But there are those who think Assange’s actions hurt national safety⁸.

Assange will soon return to Australia. The impact of his case on government secrets and press freedom is uncertain⁹. But the discussions on both topics will keep going. Assange’s case marks an important point in those talks⁸.

Assange’s Legal Battles and Asylum Saga

Julian Assange’s legal saga has been long and filled with surprises. The founder of WikiLeaks hid in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for seven years. He was avoiding charges in Sweden, but they were later dropped¹¹. In 2019, he was arrested in the UK for a US case involving WikiLeaks.

This case was about publishing secret war logs and documents. It brought up big questions on freedom of the press and national security¹¹. The case also started with allegations from Sweden in 2010, which Assange denied. He then sought asylum at the embassy, claiming it was to avoid political persecution¹¹.

In 2019, Assange was taken into custody by British authorities once Ecuador withdrew his asylum¹¹. After many legal twists, in 2024, he won an appeal against his extradition¹¹. Even though he avoided extradition, the US Justice Department kept wanting him. But Britian’s judges were doubtful about sending him to the US¹¹. Finally, he was released on bail in 2024 after secret court proceedings.

“After enduring uncertainties over its finalization, Stella Assange, Julian’s wife, expressed joy at the news of the deal and his impending freedom.”¹¹

Plea Deal and Sentencing

Julian Assange agreed to plead guilty to partly share military secrets¹². The US Justice Department suggested a sentence of 62 months in prison. This was part of his plea deal¹². A US District Judge agreed, but only gave him the time he already served¹².

In 2019, Assange faced more than a dozen charges related to leaking war secrets¹². This happened after Chelsea Manning sent the information to WikiLeaks. He was accused of helping Manning access the confidential information¹².

Assange kept fighting extradition in the UK after being arrested in 2019¹². He won the right to appeal his extradition in 2019. However, British police arrested him for skipping bail related to the earlier asylum situation¹².

International Cooperation and Controversy

Assange’s plea deal involved talks between his team and US prosecutors across three presidencies¹³. Australian officials proposed a deal to allow Assange back to Australia if he pleads guilty¹³. The US supported this possible agreement as a way to end the long legal fight¹³.

The Trump administration focused on stopping leaks, making Assange’s case a big deal¹³. Obama’s group had concerns about the First Amendment in his case¹³. Many groups supporting free press and several news outlets didn’t like the legal action against Assange. They worried about its effects on journalism¹³.

Assange’s story shows the challenging role of whistleblowers and journalists. His case had big international impact. Now it’s over, leading the way for his possible return to Australia.

U.S. Prosecution and Espionage Act Charges

The U.S. Department of Justice accused Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, for working with Chelsea Manning. They aimed to get and release secret government info. This act is known as one of the biggest leaks of government data in U.S. history¹⁴. Assange was charged under the Espionage Act for this.

In 2010, Chelsea Manning was sent to prison for 35 years because she leaked info to WikiLeaks. However, in 2017, President Obama cut her sentence short¹⁴. In 2019, Manning held in contempt for being silent in a case involving Assange¹⁴. The U.S. government says Assange is behind a big leak of secret info in U.S. history¹⁴.

The Australian Prime Minister wants Assange back home. He sees Assange’s issue with the U.S. as a good step¹⁴. Assange’s supporters say he did what he did for good reasons. They say he showed how prisoners were treated and how many civilians died¹⁵. However, the U.S. thinks Assange’s actions were not good for national security¹⁵.

Espionage Act Charges and Sentencing

Assange admitted to breaking the Espionage Act by publishing U.S. secrets over ten years ago. This act is considered a felony¹⁵. He was going to be sentenced to 62 months. Yet, this time includes the period he spent in a British prison before he was set free¹⁴. In the end, Assange did not get more jail time. This is because he already spent five years in the UK waiting to be sent to the U.S¹⁵..

Assange was found guilty of trying to get and spread secret U.S. defense info. His sentence was 62 months, the same time he already spent in British custody¹⁶. He had to face 18 charges in total. These include 17 for espionage and one for computer misuse. The U.S. first charged him in 2010¹⁶.

Assange’s case was long and complicated. He hid in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for seven years. This was to avoid being sent to Sweden for a crime accusation, which was later dropped¹⁵. After his arrest in 2019, he was in a UK prison for five years. There he fought against being sent to the U.S. He finally made a plea deal¹⁵¹⁴¹⁶.

Press Freedom Concerns and Whistleblower Advocacy

Julian Assange’s situation sparked a heated discussion around press freedom and whistleblower rights. Assange pleaded guilty to one felony about releasing US military secrets¹⁷. He did this to gain his freedom through a deal with the Justice Department.

His story made many worry about freedom for the press, saying his case might threaten it. They point to his punishment under the Espionage Act as a bad sign for journalists who share secrets.

People who support Assange see him as someone who pushed for government openness and responsibility. He spent five years in jail in the UK before this deal allowed him to go back to Australia without going to an American jail.

They’re also worried about the charges against him, thinking it could hurt how freely journalists can talk about important national secrets.

The WikiLeaks founder was freed via a plea deal. This deal made him agree that he was guilty of one felony.

The case was about papers that talked about US military mistakes in Iraq and Afghanistan. His supporters say these papers showed the public things they needed to know.

“Assange’s legal saga raised questions about press freedom and national security.”¹⁷

Assange’s case was heard away from big cities, on Saipan, a little island near Australia¹⁷. This move was seen as the government trying to hide the case from the public.

Those who are on Assange’s side say he helped show actions the military was trying to keep secret. They think his case is about standing up for revealing the truth and opening up society.

The Espionage Act Charges

Assange was said to have worked with Chelsea Manning to get and share documents that were about America’s safety¹⁷. The case against him got bigger, with 17 charges under the Espionage Act added¹⁸.

Many people worry these new charges could be bad for press freedom and people’s right to know about the government. They think this could make journalists scared to write about secret things the government is doing.

Assange’s lawyers said this case was unlike others¹⁹. People who care about a free press are also not happy about these charges. They think it could stop journalists from writing about important secret government stuff¹⁹.

His deal with the government made him say he was guilty of one felony¹⁷. His friends think this deal was good for the freedom of the press and for people who tell the truth about what the government does. They say it stopped his punishment from being worse and kept our freedom to know safe¹⁷¹⁹¹⁸.

The Plea Deal and Sentencing

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange took a big step by pleading guilty to a single felony count. It was about releasing national defense information⁴. This move ended his fight with the United States after years⁵. The agreement meant he didn’t have to face more jail time⁴.

The court date was in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. This was because Assange didn’t want to go to the main U.S. area. Also, it wasn’t far from his home in Australia⁴. After the court event, he headed back to Canberra on a plane. He was set to arrive at 7:39 pm local time (09:39 GMT)⁴. The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said they did their best to help get a good result⁴.

Assange’s battle was over ten years long. During this time, he spent more than five years in a UK high-security jail and seven years in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London⁴. He fought against 18 charges in the United States⁵. The plea deal was seen as a key moment. His lawyers and fans saw it as a win for the right to report news. Yet, some thought it was a bad example for reporters who share secret details¹.

Charge	Outcome
Conspiracy to obtain and disclose classified documents	Pleaded guilty to a single felony count
Espionage Act charges	Avoided additional prison time, received credit for time served in UK custody
US extradition case	Returned to Australia after 14 years of legal battles

“This plea deal is a victory for press freedom and a vindication of Assange’s actions in exposing war crimes and human rights abuses. It sets a dangerous precedent, however, for journalists who publish classified information in the public interest.”

The outcome of this plea deal and his sentence was a major turning point. It allowed Assange to return to Australia. Plus, it brought up important questions about freedom of the press and national safety¹.

Reactions and Implications

When Julian Assange, WikiLeaks’ founder, entered a plea deal, it sparked mixed views. His supporters see it as a win for press freedom. Meanwhile, critics worry it might set a risky example for journalists sharing secret data²⁰²¹.

PEN America and other groups have pushed for dropping Assange’s charges. They say his trial under the Espionage Act could have scared other journalists. They think the plea deal is a good start. It lets Assange dodge more prison time and perhaps go back to Australia²⁰²¹.

Yet, some aren’t happy with this agreement. They believe it makes the government’s pursuit of Assange seem okay. And they fear it might make it easier to go after future whistleblowers and journalists sharing classified stuff. Mike Pence even called it a “miscarriage of justice,” saying it disrespects the military²⁰.

The fight over Assange’s case has raged on for a long time. The US wants to extradite him on charges tied to WikiLeaks’ leaks. Many see the plea deal, with its single felony admission, as a way out to avoid a big trial. But it still keeps the freedom of press topic open²⁰²¹.

With Assange heading back to Australia after 14 years of legal trouble, the case’s effect on journalists and whistleblowers is still unknown. While the deal might answer some questions, it keeps the debate over national safety and the public’s right to information going²⁰²¹²².

“The situation with Julian Assange should never have happened. It sets a dangerous precedent for journalists and whistleblowers who expose government wrongdoing.”– Tulsi Gabbard, Former U.S. Representative

Reaction	Perspective
Supporters hailed the deal as a victory for press freedom	The prosecution under the Espionage Act could have a chilling effect on journalists reporting on matters of public interest
Critics argued the deal set a dangerous precedent for journalists publishing classified information	The agreement still legitimized the government’s pursuit of Assange and could embolden future prosecutions of whistleblowers and journalists

²⁰²¹²²

Assange’s Return to Australia

Julian Assange left Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, and flew to Canberra, Australia, after his court proceedings. He was finally on his way to see his family after 14 years of legal challenges²³. Recently, he was released on bail from Belmarsh prison. This was after a hidden hearing took place last week²³.

His journey back to Australia marked the end of more than a decade of legal fights. For a long time, he was staying at the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Then, he was incarcerated in London. The jet that flew him from London to Saipan cost over half a million dollars. Assange’s wife, Stella, mentioned that they must return $500,000 to the Australian government for these costs¹⁵.

Jennifer Robinson, Assange’s attorney, warned about the threat to free speech this case carries²⁴. She believes it’s the most significant threat to free speech in the 21st century. Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, helped in securing Assange’s plea deal and release²⁴.

Reunited with Family

Stella Assange and their kids, ages 5 and 7, eagerly await his arrival. The family has not been together outside of Belmarsh Prison. A parliamentary group with 47 members is also watching the case. They are worried about its effect on media freedom globally²⁴.

Barry J Pollack, Julian Assange’s other lawyer, highlighted the unusual use of the Espionage Act against Assange. He sees this as a major fight for the rights of freedom of speech and press²⁴. The US Department of Justice stated that Assange can’t come back to the US without special permission. This was part of the plea deal terms²⁴²³¹⁵.

The Future of WikiLeaks and Assange’s Legacy

Julian Assange’s long legal battle has made us wonder about WikiLeaks and its future. His supporters believe that his plea deal is a big win for press freedom and open government. Yet, some people worry about how this could affect journalists who publish secret information.

Assange pleaded guilty to a felony for sharing U.S. military secrets²⁵. This let him avoid more prison time and go back to Australia. But many still argue over his true impact: hero or threat to safety?

Folks are worried about what this could mean for future whistleblowers and journalists uncovering wrongs in the government. Assange has been a key player in the battle for more open government. His plea deal might change the path of WikiLeaks and similar groups that show the public hidden truths.

“The resolution of Assange’s case raises questions about the future of WikiLeaks and the legacy of the organization’s founder. While his supporters hailed the plea deal as a victory, critics argued it could have a lasting impact on whistleblower defenses and the publication of classified information.”

Even with all the legal battles, Assange’s supporters are not backing down from the fight for open, honest government. There’s a global push to help finance his return to Australia, including a needed $520,000 for a plane¹.

Now that the legal storm around Assange is calming, many question where WikiLeaks is headed. The group’s mission for a more transparent government and to protect those who speak up will probably go on. But the true effect of Assange’s plea and what it means for press freedom and safety is still unclear.

The Lasting Impact of the WikiLeaks Disclosures

Assange’s admission of guilt and his legal case’s outcome haven’t taken away the impact of the WikiLeaks releases. These included secret U.S. military papers and diplomatic messages. They even showed an Apache helicopter shooting in Baghdad from. This event raised worldwide concern about U.S. actions in other countries²⁵.

Some people think Assange is a hero for sharing these secrets. Others believe he put lives at risk and hurt national security²⁵. The long-lasting effects of these releases, on U.S. foreign policy and on how we protect secret info, will be talked about for a long time.

Key Developments	Timeline
Assange released from high-security prison after 62 months of imprisonment	1
Assange facing 18 criminal charges but entered a guilty plea to a single charge	1
Assange resided in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for almost seven years	1
Assange owes $520,000 for the charter flight back to Australia	1
Assange spent 62 months in Belmarsh prison in the U.K. and faces a 62-month sentence in a U.S. federal court	26
Manning served seven years in prison	26

We are now looking back on the Assange story and wondering about its effect. The future of WikiLeaks and the legacy of its founder connect deeply with talks about honest government, protection for whistleblowers, and how much freedom the press should have today¹²⁵²⁶.

Conclusion

Julian Assange recently pleaded guilty to a felony related to sharing national defense info. This ends a long legal battle, sparking debates about press freedom and the rights of those who expose secrets²⁷. As part of the deal, Assange owned up to a felony. He agreed to destroy documents shared with WikiLeaks²⁷. Now, he can go back to Australia without going to jail in the U.S., and his wife, Stella, is overjoyed²⁷.

For five years, Assange has fought against being sent from a British jail to the U.S²⁸. He might get a five-year sentence, which would cover his time in custody²⁸. The trial sparked debates about keeping secrets and the public’s right to info. Supporters see this as a win for the press. Critics say it’s bad for journalists who publish secret data²⁸.

Assange getting ready to go home raises questions about WikiLeaks’ and his work’s future. People wonder if the group can still reveal secrets. They also think a lot about what this case means for those who speak out and write about injustices²⁹. The deal, which involves a five-year sentence but not more jail time, shows how much whistleblowers risk. It also highlights the effort to bring out the truth for everyone²⁹.

FAQ

What did Julian Assange plead guilty to?

Julian Assange admitted to one felony count. This was about sharing classified U.S. military info without permission. It included documents and videos shared by WikiLeaks.

How did the plea deal impact Assange’s legal battle?

His plea deal brought his long fight with the U.S. to an end. It allowed him to go back to Australia. He won’t face more prison time because of this deal.

What were the key disclosures made by WikiLeaks under Assange’s leadership?

WikiLeaks put out many secret U.S. military files and videos. This included a video showing a helicopter attack in Baghdad that killed non-combatants. It made people worldwide question the U.S.’s roles in other countries.

What were the charges Assange faced from the U.S. government?

The U.S. charged Assange with working with Chelsea Manning. They said he helped Manning leak classified info. He was charged under the Espionage Act for this.

What were the key legal battles Assange faced before pleading guilty?

Before his guilty plea, Assange had many legal problems. Firstly, he was in London’s Ecuadorian Embassy to avoid Swedish charges of sexual assault. These charges were later dropped.

He was also fighting extradition to the U.S. for five years. This was after being taken from the embassy in 2019. He fought against the U.S. charges.

How did Assange’s case impact press freedom and whistleblower advocacy?

His case made people worry about free press. Some said charging him under the Espionage Act was bad for journalists. Others think he showed the need for governments to be more open and responsible.

What were the key details of Assange’s plea deal and sentencing?

In his plea agreement, Assange accepted a felony charge. He avoided more prison because he already spent time fighting extradition. So, he was not put in prison again.

How did Assange’s supporters and critics react to the plea deal?

Supporters saw the deal as good for free speech. But critics felt it was a win for the government. They worry it might stop whistleblowers from coming forward in the future.

What was the final outcome of Assange’s case?

After a court event in Saipan, he flew back to Canberra, Australia. This ended his 14-year legal fight overseas. He was glad to see his family again after all the struggles.

What are the implications for the future of WikiLeaks and Assange’s legacy?

The end of Assange’s case makes people wonder about WikiLeaks’ future. It also reflects on what Assange has left behind. His supporters believe his case helps push for a free press and more open governments. On the other hand, some think it might change how whistleblowers and journalists work in the future.

Source Links

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22. https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-06-25/reactions-to-julian-assanges-flight-to-freedom-after-us-plea-deal – Reactions to Julian Assange’s Flight to Freedom After US Plea Deal
23. https://www.theguardian.com/media/article/2024/jun/26/julian-assange-saipan-court-hearing-plea-deal-wikileaks-australia-us-kevin-rudd – Julian Assange walks free after pleading guilty to US espionage charge in Saipan court
24. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-26/julian-assange-saipan-court-appearance/104022050 – Live: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange walks free after pleading guilty to one charge of espionage
25. https://www.wfla.com/news/national/wikileaks-assange-pleads-guilty-in-deal-with-us-that-secures-his-freedom-ends-legal-fight/ – WikiLeaks’ Assange pleads guilty in deal with US that secures his freedom, ends legal fight
26. https://www.wuft.org/2024-06-25/wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-pleads-guilty – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is free, ending years-long legal saga
27. https://www.fox5dc.com/news/julian-assange-pleads-guilty-after-striking-deal-us – Julian Assange, WikiLeaks founder, pleads guilty after striking deal with US
28. https://apnews.com/article/assange-plea-deal-wikileaks-justice-department-d329ba4614dbfa77b5eb968d07fd9bd0 – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will plead guilty in deal with US and be freed from prison
29. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/06/24/wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-will-plead-guilty-deal-us-and-be-freed-prison.html – WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange Will Plead Guilty in Deal with US and Be Freed from Prison