Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, experienced a significant turn of events as he walked free for the first time in 12 years following a surprise plea deal approved by a US judge on Wednesday. Leaving a courtroom in Saipan under the bright sunshine, Assange acknowledged the global press before departing for Canberra, Australia, on a private jet. In addition to highlighting the extraordinary nature of Assange's indictment under the Espionage Act for disclosing accurate and noteworthy material, his US attorney, Barry Pollack, stressed the continuing effort Assange has made for freedom of expression and press freedom.

The 52-year-old Australian had been released from a high-security prison in London on Monday and swiftly boarded a flight out of the UK before his plea agreement became public knowledge. In a courtroom on the Northern Mariana Islands, Assange formally admitted guilt to charges related to unlawfully obtaining and disseminating classified information, a case stemming from WikiLeaks' disclosures of sensitive US military material.

Saipan, a remote US territory in the Pacific, hosted the court proceedings due to Assange's reluctance to set foot on continental US soil. This choice was also pragmatic, considering Saipan's proximity to Australia, where Assange plans to settle following his legal resolution. Australian officials, including former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, were present during the hearing, marking a culmination of diplomatic efforts to facilitate Assange's return home.

During the plea hearing, Assange defended his actions as journalistic endeavors protected by the First Amendment, albeit acknowledging the legal complexities posed by the Espionage Act. Judge Ramona Manglona accepted Assange's plea and credited his time served in UK custody, affirming his immediate release as a free man. She noted the absence of personal victims directly harmed by Assange's actions, emphasizing the timing and context surrounding his case.

Assange's legal saga began with WikiLeaks' explosive releases in 2010, which included video footage and classified documents exposing US military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Subsequent legal challenges, including extradition requests and asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, prolonged his confinement until Ecuador withdrew its asylum in 2019. Facing multiple charges in the US, Assange ultimately agreed to a single guilty plea, resulting in a nominal prison sentence equivalent to his time spent contesting extradition in the UK.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Assange's impending return, highlighting diplomatic efforts that contributed to the resolution of his prolonged legal ordeal. Despite earlier hints from US President Joe Biden of potential negotiations involving Australian officials, the White House emphasized that the Justice Department independently handled Assange's plea agreement. Assange's family expressed relief and optimism at his release, anticipating his reunion with loved ones and resumption of a more ordinary life in Australia.