Julian Assange Breaks Silence: “I’m Free Because I Plead Guilty To Journalism”

Summary

Julian Assange, recently released from Belmarsh prison, speaks for the first time, addressing the global efforts that led to his release. He highlights how his imprisonment set a dangerous precedent for journalism and reveals how the CIA, under the direction of Mike Pompeo, targeted him and his family. Assange reflects on the injustices faced during his detention, including assassination plots and extreme isolation. He underscores the importance of protecting free speech and journalism in the face of powerful nations' transnational repression, which stifles truth and targets dissenting voices.

Takeaways

• 📢 Julian Assange speaks for the first time since his release from Belmarsh prison, sharing insights on his imprisonment and ongoing human rights issues.
• 📰 Assange emphasizes that he is not free because the system worked, but because he pleaded guilty to journalism and revealing truths to the public.
• 🤯 He highlights the surreal transition from maximum security confinement to speaking before representatives of 46 nations and millions of people.
• 🚨 Assange shares the mental toll of isolation in prison, stating it stripped away his sense of self and that he is still processing what he endured.
• 💔 He reflects on the deaths of fellow prisoners, including instances of hanging, murder, and medical neglect, which still deeply affect him.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Assange recounts how CIA director Mike Pompeo launched a campaign to assassinate or kidnap him, citing public record and corroborated reports.
• 👶 His family, including his infant son, was targeted by the CIA, with agents assigned to track them and collect his son's DNA from a nappy.
• 💡 He underscores the importance of safeguards against transnational repression, which is not unique to his case but usually remains hidden.
• ⚖️ Assange criticizes the U.S. government's approach, which forced him to choose freedom over justice by accepting a plea deal under duress.
• 🌍 He commends global efforts by activists, journalists, and organizations that fought for his release, but states such actions should never have been necessary.

Q & A

What is the significance of Julian Assange's speech at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe?

Julian Assange's speech marked his first public appearance since being released from Belmarsh prison, where he spoke about his confinement, human rights, and the ongoing struggle for journalistic freedom. The speech was significant because it highlighted how his case sets a dangerous precedent for journalists and criticized the failure of legal protections.

Why does Assange say he is not free because the system worked?

Assange states that he is not free because the legal system functioned properly but rather because he 'pled guilty to journalism.' He emphasizes that his release was not due to justice but because of global efforts and the fact that he eventually chose freedom over unattainable justice.

What experiences from his time in prison does Assange describe?

Assange describes the profound isolation he endured during his time in maximum security at Belmarsh prison, which stripped away his sense of self and left him with only the 'raw essence of existence.' He also alludes to the deaths of fellow prisoners due to hanging, murder, and medical neglect.

What does Assange say about the role of the CIA in targeting him?

Assange accuses the CIA, under the direction of Mike Pompeo, of plotting to kidnap and assassinate him while he was in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. He also states that his family, including his infant son, was targeted through surveillance and covert operations.

How did President Obama's administration handle Assange's case compared to President Trump's administration?

Under President Obama, the Justice Department chose not to indict Assange, recognizing that publishing government information was not a crime. However, President Trump’s administration took a harsher stance, reopening the investigation and pursuing extradition efforts against Assange.

What does Assange reveal about the CIA's activities through WikiLeaks' publications?

Assange reveals that WikiLeaks exposed the CIA's infiltration of French political parties, its spying on European leaders, and its production of malware and viruses. He details how WikiLeaks’ publications led to retaliation by the CIA under Pompeo.

What were the conditions of Chelsea Manning during her imprisonment, according to Assange?

Assange explains that Chelsea Manning, a former source for WikiLeaks, was imprisoned and fined in an effort to coerce her into testifying against him. Manning endured extreme isolation and eventually attempted suicide.

How does Assange view transnational repression by intelligence agencies?

Assange views transnational repression, particularly by the CIA, as a widespread practice used to silence dissenting voices. He emphasizes that while such practices are not unique, the details of his case have become publicly known due to whistleblowers and investigations.

What does Assange say about the lack of legal safeguards against powerful nations?

Assange argues that there are inadequate legal safeguards to protect individuals from the actions of powerful nations. Without strong safeguards and enforcement, individuals have no hope of defending themselves against the resources of state aggressors.

What is Assange's message to the international community and journalists?

Assange urges the international community and journalists to recognize the dangers posed by the suppression of truth and the targeting of those who reveal it. He highlights the importance of protecting journalists and holding powerful governments accountable for abuses of power.