Here's how Bitcoin FREED Julian Assange
Julian Assange the well known founder of WikiLeaks has long been a controversial figure known for his role in publishing classified information provided by whistleblowers. His journey from incarceration to freedom has been fraught with legal battles, government scrutiny and public outcry. However, one lesser-known aspect of his story is how Bitcoin the world's most famous cryptocurrency has played a pivotal role in securing his freedom.
The Australian born journalist and activist founded WikiLeaks in 2006. The platform quickly gained notoriety for publishing sensitive government and corporate documents that shone a light on corruption and misconduct worldwide. Assange's most significant impact came in 2010 when WikiLeaks released a trove of U.S. diplomatic cables and military documents leading to an international uproar.
Assange's activities drew the ire of numerous governments, particularly the United States which charged him with multiple counts under the Espionage Act. Facing potential extradition and a sentence of up to 170 years in prison, Assange sought asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London in 2012. Where he remained until his arrest in 2019. He then spent five years in a high security British prison, battling extradition to the U.S.
The Plea Deal With The United States
Assange recently secured a plea deal with the U.S. government. By pleading guilty to a single charge of violating the Espionage Act, his sentence was commuted to time served. This agreement marked the end of a 14 year long legal saga, allowing Assange to return to his homeland, Australia.
Freedom came at a high cost. The financial burden of his legal battles and the expenses related to his journey home were staggering. Assange's wife, Stella Assange revealed that the private jet needed to transport him from the UK to Australia cost USD 520,000. A sum they were obligated to repay to the Australian government. In an emergency appeal, Stella reached out to supporters worldwide for financial assistance, leveraging both fiat and cryptocurrency donations.
Bitcoin played a crucial role in alleviating the financial strain on Assange and his family. An anonymous cryptocurrency investor donated approximately AUD 753,000 worth of Bitcoin covering the cost of the private jet and contributing to Assange's recovery and well-being. This substantial donation brings to light the unique advantages of Bitcoin as a decentralized and censorship resistant form of currency.
Bitcoin and WikiLeaks
Bitcoin's involvement with Assange and WikiLeaks dates back to the early days of the crypto currency. When traditional payment platforms like PayPal and Visa blocked donations to WikiLeaks in 2010. the organization turned to Bitcoin. This move not only ensured a continuous flow of funds but also highlighted Bitcoin's potential as a tool for financial freedom and resistance against censorship.
Assange himself recognized the value of Bitcoin. He famously claimed to have made a 50,000% return on Bitcoin investments by 2017. His interactions with Bitcoin's mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto and his writings on crypto currency revealed his deep understanding and appreciation of its revolutionary potential.
The broader crypto currency community has been instrumental in supporting Assange's legal battles. AssangeDAO, a decentralized autonomous organization, raised USD 53 million worth of Ethereum in 2022. These funds were used to purchase a symbolic NFT with proceeds donated to the Wau Holland Stiftung Foundation to cover Assange's legal fees and other related expenses. This unexpected and overwhelming support from the crypto community provided Assange with the means to mount a robust defence against the U.S. government's charges.
Gabriel Shipton, Assange's brother has stated the critical role of these crypto donations in an interview with Decrypt. He expressed his belief that without the generosity of the crypto community, Assange would not have been able to secure his freedom. The funds raised allowed for extensive legal representation, political lobbying and social media campaigns. All of which were crucial in advocating for Assange's release.
Bitcoin and Freedom
As Assange begins his new chapter in Australia as a FREE man (waiting on the ATO to claim some of those gains) the connection between WikiLeaks and Bitcoin remains as strong as ever. His release has been met with mixed reactions, with some former U.S. intelligence officials expressing concerns about potential diplomatic repercussions.
Nonetheless, Assange's wife Stella remains hopeful that his legal team will secure a full pardon, emphasizing the broader implications for journalism and freedom of speech.
Assange's journey brings to light the transformative power of Bitcoin and other crypto currencies in supporting causes that face traditional financial barriers to silence them and create an unfair advantage. The censorship resistant nature of Bitcoin provided a lifeline for Assange, enabling his supporters to contribute without fear of governmental interference.
Bitcoin's role in aiding Julian Assange is a testament to the crypto currency's potential to empower individuals and movements fighting for justice and transparency. As Assange continues to recover and reclaim his life, the support from the crypto community will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal factor in his fight for freedom
image sources provided supplemented by Canva Pro Subscription. This is not financial advice and readers are advised to undertake their own research or seek professional financial services.
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
It's good to see how the crypto community pulled together to assist this good and decent man. A truth-teller and freedom-fighter for all of us. Not only are Bitcoin and crypto censorship resistant, but Julian Assange is as well. Thank God he's home! :)
I cheered at the news of Julian's release. However, I was perturbed on why Amnesty International was so quiet on this case to the point of withdrawing my support of this organization that was supposed to be against the violation of human rights.
We do not have free speech in Australia
If crypto communities continue to unite this way, it will be a good one to stand as one and fight for so many things just like how Assange got free
yup, it will be wonderful
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