JULIAN ASSANGE was today heading home to Australia after a dramatic plea deal with US prosecutors that allowed him to leave his London prison cell.
The Wikileaks founder, 52, had been in the capital’s Belmarsh prison for five years fighting extradition to America over the release of a mass of confidential national security information.
He had feared a potential life sentence in the US — and at one point even the death penalty — over the allegations, which included claims that his data dump via the Wikileaks site had put lives at risk as well as revealing details about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A plea bargain deal announced overnight paved the way for an end to his long and controversial stay in Britain, which also included seven years holed up in the Ecuadorian embassy from 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over rape and sex offence allegations.
Denne historien er fra June 25, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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Denne historien er fra June 25, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss
Is this government full of amateurs?
Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown
At home with...Earl of East
The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.
Market merrymaking
Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Festive favourites
Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.
