Julian Assange walks free with conclusion of court case in Saipan

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been released after reaching a plea deal in a US court, ending a lengthy legal battle. He faced no further prison time and is returning to Australia following a hearing in the Northern Mariana Islands. Assange had been pursued by US prosecutors for leaking classified military information and had initially faced 18 charges. However, he pleaded guilty to one espionage charge as part of the deal. After spending time in a UK prison and seven years in the Ecuadorean embassy, he left the UK and is now on his way home. His wife expressed her joy at his release. Supporters celebrated in Sydney, and Australia's Prime Minister commented on the case, stating that the majority of Australians would be pleased with Assange's return. WikiLeaks plans to hold a press conference in Canberra, and Assange's father praised the Australian people for their role in his son's release. Former officials and supporters have shared varying perspectives on the case, with some highlighting concerns about the extraterritorial nature of the legal proceedings.