Who is Wikileaks’ Julian Assange and what did he do?

Julian Assange is an Australian journalist, computer programmer, and activist who is best known as the founder of Wikileaks, a whistleblowing website that publishes classified information.

Assange first gained international fame in 2010 when Wikileaks published a series of leaked documents, including the Collateral Murder video, which showed a US Apache helicopter killing civilians in Iraq.

Following the release of classified diplomatic cables in partnership with major media outlets, Assange faced legal challenges and extradition attempts from various governments, including the United States.

In 2012, Assange sought asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he was wanted for questioning in a sexual assault case.

After seven years in the embassy, Assange was arrested by British authorities in April 2019 and later indicted in the US on charges of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion.

Assange’s legal battles have sparked debates around freedom of the press, government transparency, and the role of whistleblowers in society.

Supporters view him as a champion of free speech and accountability, while critics accuse him of endangering national security and undermining diplomatic relations.

Regardless of one’s opinion on Assange, his actions have had a significant impact on the world of journalism and the way governments handle classified information.

As of September 2021, Assange remains in prison in the UK as he continues to fight extradition to the United States.