Campaigners Claim Victory As Julian Assange Freed After Five Years In Belmarsh

In a major victory for free speech advocates and human rights campaigners, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been freed from Belmarsh Prison after spending five years behind bars. The news has been met with jubilation from supporters around the world, who have long argued that Assange’s detention was a gross injustice.

Assange, 50, was arrested in April 2019 after being dragged out of the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he had sought asylum for seven years. He was subsequently charged with breaching bail conditions and later indicted by the United States on 18 counts related to the publication of classified documents on WikiLeaks.

Throughout his imprisonment, Assange’s health had deteriorated significantly, with reports of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. His supporters had repeatedly raised concerns about the conditions of his detention, citing the risk of suicide and the need for urgent medical attention.

The campaign to free Assange had gained momentum in recent months, with high-profile figures such as Pamela Anderson, Roger Waters, and Noam Chomsky joining the chorus of voices calling for his release. In a statement, Anderson, a long-time supporter of Assange, hailed the news as “a victory for humanity and a testament to the power of people coming together to fight for what is right.”

Assange’s legal team had argued that his detention was unlawful and that he should be released on bail pending the outcome of his extradition hearing. In a surprise move, the UK authorities announced yesterday that Assange would be freed from Belmarsh, citing concerns about his health and the need for him to receive medical treatment in a more suitable environment.

The decision has been welcomed by human rights organizations, who had long criticized the UK government’s handling of Assange’s case. “This is a major victory for human rights and press freedom,” said Rebecca Vincent, Director of the International Campaign for Assange’s Freedom. “Julian Assange’s detention was a clear example of political persecution, and we are relieved that he will finally receive the medical attention he so desperately needs.”

Assange’s release has also sparked renewed calls for the US government to drop its extradition request, which campaigners argue is a politically motivated attempt to silence a journalist who has exposed war crimes and human rights abuses. “The US government’s pursuit of Julian Assange is a threat to journalism and democracy everywhere,” said Trevor Timm, Executive Director of the Freedom of the Press Foundation. “We urge the Biden administration to drop its extradition request and allow Assange to live a free life, free from persecution.”

As Assange begins his journey to recovery, his supporters are celebrating a hard-won victory. But they are also aware that the fight is far from over. “Julian’s release is just the first step,” said Vincent. “We will continue to campaign for his full exoneration and for the protection of press freedom and human rights around the world.”

For now, Assange’s freedom is a beacon of hope for those who believe in the power of journalism to hold the powerful to account. As he begins to rebuild his life, his supporters will continue to stand with him, fighting for a world where truth-tellers are celebrated, not persecuted.