Julian Assange to Address the Council of Europe: First Public Statements Since Release

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, is set to make his first public appearance since being released from prison earlier this year. On Tuesday, Assange, 53, will address the legal affairs and human rights committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. This momentous event is expected to draw global attention.

Assange to Testify on Human Rights Violations

Assange will testify before the Parliamentary Assembly, which represents 46 European countries. The committee plans to focus on his imprisonment and its broader implications for human rights. According to the assembly, the session will serve as a prelude to a Wednesday debate on Assange’s case and its potential “chilling effect” on human rights. The term “chilling effect” refers to the discouragement of the legitimate exercise of rights, particularly freedom of expression, due to the threat of legal sanctions or other repercussions.

In a statement, WikiLeaks noted that Assange will attend in person, calling the invitation “exceptional.” This reflects the international significance of the discussions surrounding his case and the legal ramifications of his prolonged detention.

Legal Battle and Imprisonment

Assange’s release in June marked the end of a five-year incarceration in the U.K. after he pleaded guilty to charges of obtaining and publishing classified U.S. military information. These charges, related to his publication of U.S. military war logs and diplomatic cables, were part of a plea deal with the U.S. Department of Justice. The agreement concluded a long-standing legal battle. Prior to his imprisonment, Assange spent seven years in self-imposed exile at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he sought asylum to avoid extradition to the United States.

The WikiLeaks founder gained international attention after releasing sensitive U.S. military documents, many of which exposed American actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, including allegations of war crimes. Among the most notable leaks was a 2007 Apache helicopter attack video that showed U.S. forces killing 11 people in Baghdad, including two Reuters journalists.

Ongoing Controversy

Assange’s actions have sparked an ongoing debate. Advocates for press freedom have praised him for exposing government wrongdoing, while critics argue that he crossed ethical lines, endangering lives by releasing unredacted documents that included the names of informants who cooperated with U.S. forces in conflict zones.

His case concluded when he pleaded guilty in a U.S. court in the Northern Mariana Islands to charges under the Espionage Act. The court sentenced him to time served, allowing him to walk free after five years in a British prison.

Assange’s Future

Since his release, Assange has returned to Australia. His wife, Stella, emphasized that he needed time to recover from his ordeal. Tuesday’s appearance at the Council of Europe marks his first public engagement since his release, with much anticipation surrounding his testimony.

The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly recently published a report addressing Assange’s detention, classifying him as a political prisoner and condemning his harsh treatment during his years of imprisonment. The draft resolution expresses deep concern over the human rights violations he faced during his time in a high-security British prison.

As Assange prepares to speak, his testimony is expected to reignite the global debate over government secrecy, press freedom, and the role of whistleblowers in modern society.