Julian Assange’s Long-Awaited Return Home: A Journey of Triumph and Family Reunion
Assange's Legal Team Seeks Presidential Pardon
Julian Assange’s legal team is urging the US President to issue a full pardon for the WikiLeaks founder, who has returned to Australia for the first time in over 14 years. Barry Pollack, Assange’s American criminal lawyer, emphasised the President's absolute pardon power, expressing hope that President Biden, or a future President, will act in favour of Assange. "President Biden or any subsequent President absolutely can, and in my mind should, issue a pardon to Julian Assange," Pollack stated. The team remains optimistic that the same support Assange received while in prison will continue to build momentum now that he is home.
A Heartwarming Family Reunion
Stella Assange, Julian's wife, shared the heartwarming reaction of their young sons, Max and Gabriel, when they learned their father was finally free. Despite not having been reunited with their father yet, the boys were overjoyed. Stella recounted how she gradually informed them about their father’s return, capturing their excitement in a video that Julian watched while still in Saipan. The boys were ecstatic, jumping on the sofa in celebration.
Julian’s first moments back in Australia were marked by simple yet significant pleasures. Stella described how he relished the taste of good bread with lots of butter and freshly ground coffee, and experienced the comfort of sleeping in a real bed for the first time in years. "He is starting to get the first taste of freedom," she said in an interview with Sky News Australia.
Prime Minister Albanese's Role and Assange’s New Life
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was the first to speak with Assange upon his arrival in Canberra. Expressing relief at the conclusion of the prolonged legal battle, Albanese highlighted the importance of standing up for Australian citizens. "Regardless of your views about his activities, and they will be varied, Mr Assange’s case has dragged on for too long," he remarked.
Assange's return to Australia follows a 14-year fight for freedom, during which he was holed up in the Ecuadorean embassy in London and later detained in Belmarsh prison. His journey home concluded with an emotional reunion with his wife, who shared their joy and relief with the media. "I can’t describe it, there were so many tears, everyone was so emotional," Stella said. Julian, too, was visibly moved, raising his fist to cheers from supporters as he disembarked the plane.
The Future and Continued Advocacy
While the future of Julian Assange's involvement with WikiLeaks remains uncertain, Stella affirmed his commitment to advocating for free speech and human rights. "Julian is a free speech advocate. He will utilise his free speech to defend human rights, to denounce injustice just like he has always done," she said.
Jennifer Robinson, another member of Assange’s legal team, echoed the sentiment, describing the case as the "criminalisation of journalism" and expressing gratitude for the Australian government's support. She emphasised that no person should face persecution for defending human rights and denouncing injustice.
Assange's Homecoming: A Historic Moment
Assange's arrival marks the end of a lengthy legal saga and the beginning of a new chapter for him and his family. Stella requested privacy as they adjust to their new life together. "Freedom comes slowly," she said, hoping Julian would have the space to rediscover his freedom.
This momentous occasion, celebrated by many, underscores the importance of press freedom and the global effort to support Assange. As he starts his new life in Australia, Assange and his family look forward to a future where they can live freely, away from the shadows of past legal battles.
