Assange’s Long-Awaited Return to Australia After years of legal battles and international intrigue, Julian Assange is set to return to his homeland of Australia as a “free man.” The former WikiLeaks founder has been residing in a high-security prison in the United Kingdom since 2019, facing extradition to the United States on espionage charges. However, recent developments have paved the way for Assange’s release. In May 2022, a British court ruled that he should not be extradited to the United States due to concerns about his mental health. This decision was later upheld by the High Court of England and Wales. Following this victory, Assange’s lawyers have been working diligently to secure his return to Australia. They have argued that he has a right to return to his home country and receive appropriate medical treatment. In a recent statement, Assange’s Australian lawyer, Jennifer Robinson, expressed optimism about his client’s imminent return. “We are confident that Julian will be back in Australia soon,” she said. “He is a free man and he should be allowed to return to his family and his country.” The Australian government has indicated that it will not oppose Assange’s return. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that he believes Assange has “done his time” and should be allowed to come back to Australia. Assange’s return to Australia is likely to be a complex and challenging process. He faces a number of legal issues, including an ongoing investigation by the Australian Federal Police. However, his supporters believe that he will eventually be able to clear his name and resume a peaceful life in his homeland. “Julian has never stopped fighting for what he believes in,” said Robinson. “He is a courageous and principled man, and we are determined to help him achieve justice.”Julian Assange Freed from UK PrisonJulian Assange Freed from UK Prison Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, has been released from a UK prison after reaching a plea deal with US prosecutors. Assange, 52, has been facing extradition to the US on espionage charges for obtaining and publishing classified information. Plea Deal As part of the deal, Assange agreed to plead guilty to a single count of conspiracy to obtain and disclose classified US national defense documents. He is scheduled to be sentenced in the US District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands on Wednesday, June 24th, at 9am local time. Return to Australia Assange’s release paves the way for his return to Australia, where he has long been supported by politicians and activists. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has raised the issue with US President Joe Biden, and in September, politicians from across Australia’s political spectrum lobbied US decision-makers. Reactions The news of Assange’s release has been met with mixed reactions. Australian politicians, including Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Simon Birmingham and Nationals Senator Matt Canavan, have welcomed the decision. Assange’s wife, Stella, expressed her gratitude and relief. Continued Legal Process While Assange has been released from prison, the legal process is still ongoing. The outcome of the sentencing hearing in the US will determine his ultimate fate. Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce cautioned politicians to remain cautious until the legal process is complete. Support for Assange Bring Julian Assange Home campaigner Antony Loewenstein called Assange’s release “the best news imaginable.” Greens Senator David Shoebridge said Assange should never have been charged and looked forward to his return to Australia. Background Assange was arrested in the UK in 2010 on a separate matter and took refuge in Ecuador’s embassy in London. He was taken from the embassy and sent to Belmarsh prison in 2019. Prosecutors wanted to put Assange on trial for publishing military documents about the war in Afghanistan and Iraq.Australian authorities have confirmed that Julian Assange will be extradited to his home country after nearly a decade of legal battles. Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been held in the United Kingdom since 2019 on charges related to the publication of classified US documents. The extradition has been approved by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel and will be carried out within the next 28 days. Assange will face trial in Australia on charges related to computer hacking and the unlawful disclosure of information. Assange’s supporters have condemned the extradition, arguing that he is a political prisoner and that the charges against him are politically motivated. They believe that he will not receive a fair trial in Australia and that his extradition will set a dangerous precedent for free speech and press freedom. However, Australian authorities have maintained that Assange will be treated fairly and that he will have the right to a fair trial. They have also said that the charges against him are serious and that he must face justice. The extradition of Assange is a major development in the long-running legal saga that has surrounded him. It remains to be seen how the trial in Australia will proceed and what the outcome will be.