Julian Assange Receives a $500,000 Bitcoin Gift as He is Declared a Free Man
Julian Assange was released on Wednesday, Australian time, after being extradited by the US government in exchange for his freedom. The co-founder of WikiLeaks may not immediately return to publishing secrets, but he received a generous donation of approximately $500,000 from an anonymous Bitcoin whale to cover the cost of his private jet out of the UK.
Emergency Appeal for Donations
WikiLeaks co-founder’s wife, Stella Assange, made an “emergency appeal” on social media for donations to cover the plane debt. The donation of $520,000 was needed to repay the Australian government for the charter flight that took Julian to freedom. The Australian government arranged the flight, but Julian was responsible for the cost.
Assange’s Return to Australia
Assange’s plane landed in Canberra, Australia’s capital, where he was welcomed home by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. His safe return to Australia was a relief for his family, but it remains uncertain whether Assange will continue his work with WikiLeaks. The timing of his release is significant for American democracy, particularly with the upcoming 2016 election and the potential impact on political events.
