Australian Senator Says Hero’s Welcome for Assange Not Appropriate

Simon Birmingham also said the Wikileaks release of classified information should not be considered ‘journalism.’

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange waves after arriving at Canberra Airport in Canberra, Australia on June 26, 2024. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham has welcomed Julian Assange’s return home, but cautioned against treating him like a “hero.”

The Wikileaks founder set foot in Australia on June 26, the first time in over 14 years following a protracted legal and diplomatic deadlock.