A day before polls close, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has received a public endorsement from WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who credited him as the most effective figure behind his release.
“The truth is, in what became an impressive field of advocates, ‘Albo’ did more to secure my freedom than any other politician or public figure—even more than the late Pope, whose support was both moving and significant,” said Assange in a statement shared with The Epoch Times.
After a 14-year legal battle, Assange returned to Australia in June 2024.
He says Albanese had repeatedly raised his case with former U.S. President Joe Biden and empowered diplomatic efforts behind the scenes.
‘Kept His Word’
Assange added that Albanese was also supportive when he was not in power.“Even while in opposition, Albo listened to the Australian public—and my family—and promised to act,” Assange said. “But talk from opposition is easy. What mattered is what he did in office.”
Regarding former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Assanged said he “publicly supporting my extradition to the U.S. Then after leaving office, he joined DYNE Maritime, a U.S. weapons contractor linked to former CIA chief Mike Pompeo—who openly boasted about orchestrating my detention.”
He added that while six prime ministers came and went during his years in confinement, none agreed to meet with his legal team.
“Against all expectations, once elected, Albanese kept his word,” he said.
The last-minute endorsement from the high-profile Assange—who maintains a loyal base of supporters—may provide a small but symbolic boost to Albanese’s standing.
However, he said more work needed to be done.
“Does this mean Albo will always put Australian interests first and navigate tensions with the U.S., EU and China with skill? I can’t say for sure.”
Assange, who founded WikiLeaks in 2006, is known for releasing of classified footage showing a deadly U.S. helicopter attack in Baghdad, and the subsequent leak of diplomatic cables and military records.
