Acrylic on canvas panel
18 x 24"
 
Based on my latest information up to October 18, 2024, here are some of the key statements and sentiments expressed by or attributed to Julian Assange following his release: Guilty to Journalism: Assange made a significant statement saying he was freed because he pleaded "guilty to journalism." This reflects his view that the charges against him were an attack on journalistic practices. He made this comment during his first public remarks in Strasbourg to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, emphasizing that his actions were journalistic in nature, involving sourcing and disseminating information. On Freedom and Justice: Assange expressed that he is not free because the system worked but because he chose freedom over an unattainable justice. This sentiment was captured when he addressed his long incarceration and the plea deal, indicating a compromise on his part for freedom rather than an acknowledgment of wrongdoing in his eyes. Critique of Secrecy and Intelligence Agencies: In posts found on X, Assange is quoted talking about the nature of intelligence agencies and secrecy, suggesting that these agencies keep secrets often because they violate the rule of law or norms of good behavior. This aligns with his long-standing critique of government transparency and accountability. On His Detention and Legal Battle: While not directly quoted from recent statements, the context of his comments after release shows Assange's ongoing narrative of being a victim of political persecution rather than a criminal. His statements reflect a view that his prolonged legal battle and detention were unjust and politically motivated. Public and Political Perception: Discussions on platforms like X reflect a mix of support and criticism. Some posts label his actions as beyond traditional journalism, accusing him of recklessly releasing unfiltered information. Conversely, Assange's statements and those of his supporters frame his activities as acts of journalism, pushing for transparency and challenging powerful entities. Julian Assange has publicly addressed his experiences and the actions taken against him by the CIA, including disturbing details involving his family. During his first public remarks since his release, which took place at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Assange detailed the severe measures he claims the CIA undertook while he was in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. CIA Plans: Assange revealed that under the direction of then-CIA Director Mike Pompeo, the CIA had drawn up plans to kidnap and even assassinate him within the embassy. This was part of what he described as a campaign of retribution after WikiLeaks exposed various CIA operations, including the infiltration of French political parties and espionage activities. Targeting His Family: More personally, Assange spoke about how these actions extended to his family. He mentioned that there was an attempt to gather DNA from his infant son's diapers, indicating an intrusive level of surveillance and personal targeting. This operation was allegedly part of a broader scheme to gather information or possibly to intimidate or pressure Assange. Public and Legal Context: His statements come in the context of explaining why he pleaded "guilty to journalism," highlighting his view that his actions were journalistic in nature, aimed at informing the public, but were treated as criminal acts by the U.S. government. This plea was part of a deal that allowed him to return to Australia after years of legal battles and confinement. Assange's revelations about the CIA's plans against him and the targeting of his infant child underline the personal toll of his battle with some of the world's most powerful intelligence agencies. These claims have stirred discussions on X and other platforms about the extents to which intelligence agencies might go in the name of national security, the ethics of journalism, and the protection of individual rights against state power. Julian Assange was in jail for approximately 5 years. This duration is based on information from posts on X and other sources which indicate he spent this period in Belmarsh Prison in the UK, before being released as part of a plea deal. Julian Assange was in asylum at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for nearly seven years.