- Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been released from Belmarsh prison in the UK.
- This significant event has led to a surge in the altcoin AssangeDAO (JUSTICE) token, rising over 80%.
- Reports indicate that Assange is ready to accept a plea deal which could facilitate his release.
Julian Assange’s release sparks a remarkable rise in AssangeDAO token as the crypto market reacts to pivotal developments.
Julian Assange Released, Altcoin Soars
Following a period of intense sell-offs, the crypto market has shown signs of recovery today. Among the notable tokens experiencing significant growth is AssangeDAO (JUSTICE), dedicated to WikiLeaks’ founder Julian Assange. After spending 1,901 days in Belmarsh prison, Assange was released on Monday. This news catalyzed a dramatic increase in the token’s value, which soared over 80% before experiencing some decline. Nevertheless, the token remains significantly higher than before.
AssangeDAO: $37 Million Spent in Legal Battle
AssangeDAO member Silke Noa disclosed that a substantial amount of 16,593 ETH, translating to approximately $37 million, has been spent on legal defense and campaigns through The Clock. The allocation, managed by the Wau Holland Foundation from Safe.global multisig wallet addresses, underscores the extensive efforts to secure Assange’s release. Noa emphasized the necessity for transparency regarding the fund’s usage, urging the foundation to provide a detailed accounting.
Previously, security concerns might have prevented full transparency concerning fund allocation to avoid jeopardizing Julian’s case. However, it is now crucial for the Wau Holland Foundation to present a comprehensive breakdown of the expenditures, as repeatedly requested in the past.
Upcoming Court Appearance Likely to Secure Assange’s Release
The recent surge in AssangeDAO’s value coincides with Julian Assange’s flight to Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI), part of a U.S. territory in the Western Pacific, where he is expected to face court. Scheduled for Wednesday, Assange is anticipated to accept a plea deal that could enable his release and return to Australia, potentially ending a prolonged legal conflict spanning five years.
Wikileaks confirmed, “Julian Assange’s flight VJ199 has landed in Bangkok and will soon enter U.S. airspace to appear before an American judge.”
Assange Facing Espionage Charges
Julian Assange’s legal battles stem from accusations under the Espionage Act, following the publication of documents on WikiLeaks that allegedly shed light on war crimes committed by U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. These documents were provided by Chelsea Manning, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst turned whistleblower.
In 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Assange with multiple violations of the Espionage Act, potentially sentencing him to over 170 years if found guilty on all counts. However, Assange has reportedly accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to one of the 18 charges. This deal, if accepted during his court hearing on Wednesday, could result in a 62-month sentence, with his time already served in the UK considered towards this duration.
Conclusion
Julian Assange’s release from Belmarsh prison has not only sparked a spike in AssangeDAO’s token but also highlighted the intricate legal and financial maneuvers supporting his case. As Assange prepares for his upcoming court appearance, the crypto community and global observers are keenly monitoring the situation, which could ultimately lead to his freedom and a significant milestone in his prolonged legal odyssey.
