By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Stella Assange Thanks Australia for Supporting Julian’s Return
Stella Assange expressed her gratitude to Australia for its support as she emotionally discussed her husband Julian Assange’s return after 14 years linked to the WikiLeaks saga. Arriving in Canberra just after 7:30 PM local time on June 26, Julian’s homecoming was marked as a day for “celebration.”
Stella thanked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Australian public for their roles in securing Julian’s release. She emphasized that the collective support, including that from the Opposition, created the political space necessary for his freedom.
Acknowledging the efforts of those working behind the scenes and protesters who demonstrated for extended periods, Stella was moved by the crowd’s cheers on the tarmac. She described the embrace between her and Julian as an emotional moment, captured vividly in photographs.
Wednesday night was a time of celebration for Julian’s freedom and the approval of his plea deal by a judge. Stella highlighted the significance of this victory for journalists, editors, and publishers, stressing the need for reform of the Espionage Act and increased press protections.
Stella also requested privacy for their family, emphasizing Julian’s need to recuperate after his lengthy legal ordeal. She asked for space to allow their family to reconnect before Julian speaks publicly at his own discretion.
Earlier that day in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, Julian pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information. Having spent five years in a high security prison and nearly seven years in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, Julian asserted his belief that the First Amendment protected his activities.
Jennifer Robinson, a member of Assange’s legal team, revealed that Prime Minister Albanese called Julian upon his arrival in Australia, with Julian expressing deep gratitude and acknowledging that the Prime Minister had saved his life.
Robinson also thanked Australia’s ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, and the Australian High Commissioner to the UK, Stephen Smith. She noted that Julian’s return was the culmination of 14 years of legal battles, political advocacy, and relentless campaigning by many supporters.
Barry Pollack, another lawyer for Assange, criticized the U.S. Government’s case, arguing that Julian’s actions were in the public interest and provided valuable information. Pollack pointed out that the U.S. Government admitted in court that no individuals were harmed by Julian’s publications, despite years of claims to the contrary.