Bitcoin Donation Clears Julian Assange’s Debt, Secures Freedom

After a 14-year struggle against extradition to the United States, WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange has been released, thanks in part to a substantial Bitcoin donation. An anonymous Bitcoiner contributed over 8 Bitcoin, valued at around $500,000, to help Assange’s family pay off debts incurred from his legal battles and travel expenses.

Assange’s Release and Plea Agreement

Assange was released from the high-security Belmarsh prison in the UK on June 24 after reaching a plea agreement with U.S. authorities. Following his release, he flew from a London airport to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory, to avoid setting foot on American soil. On June 26, he appeared in a district court in Saipan and pleaded guilty to one charge of breaching the U.S. Espionage Act by leaking classified documents.

Financial Support from a Bitcoiner

Stella Assange, Julian’s wife, highlighted the financial burdens associated with securing his freedom, which included a $520,000 debt to the Australian government for the chartered flight to Saipan and Australia. She initiated a crowdfunding campaign to address these debts. Within 10 hours of posting the donation link on June 25, an anonymous donor paid over 8 Bitcoin to the fund, nearly reaching the goal. Assange also received over 300,000 British pounds ($380,000) in fiat donations.

Largest Bitcoin Donation

The Bitcoin donation was the largest single contribution to the fund, surpassing all other donations combined. This generosity has ensured that Assange can return to Australia debt-free.

Assange’s Court Appearance

During Assange’s court appearance on June 26, Judge Ramona Manglona sentenced him to five years and two months in prison for espionage. However, since Assange had already served this time in the UK, he was able to leave the courtroom as a free man.