Julian Assange Warns of Press Freedom Crisis in First Public Testimony Since Release

Assange, released under a plea deal, addressed European lawmakers about his incarceration and the state of journalism.

Julian Assange spoke to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France, marking his first public appearance since being released from British prison in June.
Assange, who took a plea deal to avoid extradition to the U.S., emphasized that he pled guilty to practicing journalism, not to any criminal activity.
He described the harrowing experiences of isolation and mental struggle during his 14 years in confinement, including his time in the Ecuadorian embassy and Belmarsh Prison.
Assange warned that the prosecution of journalists, as seen in his case, has led to a 'chilling effect' on press freedom and freedom of expression globally.
The WikiLeaks founder expressed his intention to spend time with his family and adapt to modern life, while continuing to advocate for transparency and journalistic integrity.