Updated on:12/16/2025 04:33 PM 
After years of legal battles, Julian Assange, the controversial founder of WikiLeaks, has walked free from Belmarsh prison in the United Kingdom following a historic plea agreement with American authorities. This pivotal moment came after 1,901 days of incarceration, with WikiLeaks confirming his departure from the maximum-security facility on June 24, 2024.
The organization's official X account announced the breakthrough news, marking what could be the end of Assange's decade-long fight against extradition.
Assange secured bail from London's High Court and was immediately released at Stansted Airport, where he boarded a flight departing the UK. Legal experts suggest he will plead guilty to a single charge related to conspiring to obtain and disclose classified national defense documents belonging to the United States. Sentencing is scheduled for the Northern Mariana Islands' Saipan, where Assange will receive credit for the 62 months already served.
Assange's wife, Stella, shared her emotional reaction with BBC reporters, describing the moment as both overwhelming and long-awaited after years of separation and uncertainty.
This resolution potentially concludes the US government's pursuit of Assange, which originated from WikiLeaks' publication of classified American documents in 2010. If approved by the court, the agreement would pave the way for Assange's return to his native Australia after nearly five years behind bars.
Beyond his notoriety in journalism and government transparency, Assange holds a significant place in cryptocurrency history as an early adopter. In 2011, WikiLeaks began accepting Bitcoin donations, making it one of the first major organizations to embrace the emerging digital currency. This adoption occurred during a critical period when the organization faced financial blockades, demonstrating cryptocurrency's potential as a tool for economic resistance.
Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin's mysterious creator, reportedly commented on WikiLeaks' involvement, noting it would have been preferable for Bitcoin to gain attention in a different context. Despite this, WikiLeaks' decision to accept Bitcoin provided crucial funding for the organization while simultaneously establishing digital currency's legitimacy and practical utility.
During a 2014 interview, Assange famously described Bitcoin as "the most interesting thing on the internet," recognizing its potential applications beyond simple transactions. He particularly emphasized its capacity to provide globally verifiable proof of publication at specific moments—a feature that aligns perfectly with WikiLeaks' mission. Since Assange made these observations, Bitcoin has experienced extraordinary value appreciation, validating his forward-thinking perspective.
During Assange's prolonged legal challenges, supporters demonstrated the power of decentralized technology by creating a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) to fund his defense. This innovative approach raised over 16,500 ether—equivalent to more than $55.2 million at current market prices. This groundbreaking use of cryptocurrency highlighted the fascinating intersection between WikiLeaks' work, information freedom, and the evolution of digital assets as instruments for financial sovereignty and resistance against censorship.
As Assange prepares for his final court appearance in Saipan, global observers await further details about the plea agreement's implementation and his eventual return to Australia. This development represents not only a personal milestone for Assange but also fuels ongoing conversations about press freedom, governmental transparency, and how cryptocurrencies can support controversial causes in an increasingly digital world.
