WikiLeaks Founder Assange Makes First Public Comments Since Release

Assange cautioned that without strong safeguards, other nations could also begin targeting foreign journalists and curbing press freedom.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (C) gestures as he arrives at Canberra Airport in Canberra, Australia on June 26, 2024. Roni Bintang/Getty Images

In his first speech since his release, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange remarked on the precedent set by nations targeting foreign journalists and the erosion of free speech worldwide.

Speaking before the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Assange recounted the U.S. government’s lengthy attempt to prosecute him for leaking classified information.