- WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange has been gifted $500,000 worth of Bitcoin after his release.
- An anonymous Bitcoin investor made the donation to help cover Assange’s expenses.
- Assange was released after a 14-year fight against extradition to the United States.
Julian Assange freed after 14 years, receiving $500,000 in Bitcoin donations to assist with expenses.
Details of Julian Assange’s Release and Bitcoin Donation
Assange, the co-founder of WikiLeaks, was released from the high-security Belmarsh prison in the United Kingdom on June 24. His release followed a plea agreement with U.S. officials. Shortly thereafter, he left the UK, traveling by private jet to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, part of U.S. territory. This strategic move was aimed at preventing his physical presence on American soil.
Assange’s Subsequent Legal Proceedings in Saipan
On June 26, Assange appeared in a Saipan district court and pleaded guilty to charges of violating the U.S. Espionage Act by leaking classified documents. His travel itinerary was carefully planned to evade direct entry into the United States.
Support from a Mysterious Bitcoin Investor
In an interview, Assange’s wife, Stella Assange, highlighted the significant financial burden associated with his “freedom.” Assange had to pay $520,000 to charter the VJ199 flight from Saipan to Australia. To alleviate this burden, Stella initiated a crowdfunding campaign to assist with the mounting expenses.
Remarkably, within ten hours of Stella posting the donation link on June 25, an anonymous Bitcoin user contributed over 8 BTC, pushing the fund beyond the initial target of $520,000. Additionally, the fund received more than $380,000 (approximately £300,000) in fiat donations.
JUSTICE Token’s Surge Following Assange’s Release
The AssangeDAO token, JUSTICE, surged over 80% following Assange’s release from Belmarsh prison. AssangeDAO, established in February this year, aims to gather funds to support Julian Assange’s fight for freedom. A member of AssangeDAO disclosed that since its inception, the organization has amassed 16,593 ETH, with 11,000 ETH (worth $37 million) allocated for legal defense.
Conclusion
Julian Assange’s release and subsequent financial support signify a major milestone in his prolonged legal battle. The anonymous Bitcoin donation and the rise of the JUSTICE token underscore the ongoing global support for Assange. As he navigates his newfound freedom and legal proceedings, the financial backing from supporters worldwide plays a pivotal role in his journey forward.
