Julian Assange Receives $500,000 Bitcoin Donation
Assange Reaches Plea Agreement
Julian Assange, co-founder of WikiLeaks, has recently received a significant donation of eight Bitcoin (approximately $500,000) from an anonymous benefactor. This contribution was sent to a Bitcoin address owned by Assange's representatives. The donation coincided with Assange's plea agreement in a Saipan court, marking the end of his 14-year legal battle.
Plea Agreement and Release
In his latest court appearance in Saipan, Assange reached a plea agreement, resulting in his release. Following his guilty plea to an espionage charge, Assange was freed by the court and subsequently returned to Australia. Judge Manglona’s decision allowed Assange to leave the courtroom as a free man.
Assange had traveled from the U.K. to Saipan on a private plane, incurring significant expenses which he was able to cover through over £300,000 in fiat donations and $500,000 in Bitcoin from the anonymous donor.
Assange’s Court Statement
In court, Assange argued that his charges under the Espionage Act conflicted with his First Amendment rights. However, he conceded that pressuring sources to disclose classified material could be illegal. As part of the plea deal, Assange is required to delete the material he provided to WikiLeaks.
Implications and Future Steps
Assange's release and the substantial financial support he received highlight the ongoing controversy and public interest surrounding his case. The significant Bitcoin donation underscores the strong backing Assange continues to receive from supporters who believe in his cause.
