18 Questions
How many days did Julian Assange spend in a small cell in Britain's Belmarsh Prison?
1,901 days
Why did Julian Assange seek asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London?
To evade extradition to Sweden for a rape investigation
What was Julian Assange charged with by the US?
Conspiracy to commit computer intrusion and espionage
What was the author's own experience related to Julian Assange's?
Imprisonment in Egypt
What is the concern raised by Julian Assange's saga?
A serious chilling effect on public-interest journalism
Where is Julian Assange expected to appear in a courtroom this week?
The Northern Mariana Islands
What did Ecuador eventually do to Julian Assange's asylum claim in 2019?
Rescinded his asylum claim
How many counts of espionage did the US charge Julian Assange with?
17 counts
What did WikiLeaks publish that exposed evidence of war crimes and abuses by the US government?
Series of documents related to Iraq and Afghanistan
What is the main purpose of the First Amendment to the US Constitution?
To ensure freedom of speech and press freedom
Why did the Obama administration decide against prosecuting Assange in 2013?
Because it would set a precedent that would force them to also go after established news organisations
What has been the impact of Assange's case on public-interest journalism?
It has had a serious chilling effect on public-interest journalism
What is the distinction between WikiLeaks and traditional journalism?
Journalism involves processing and presenting information with ethical and professional standards
What award did Assange and the author of the content receive?
Walkley Award
Why did the author receive the Walkley Award?
For their stand on press freedom while imprisoned
What is the description of Assange's case by Australia's union for journalists?
One of the darkest periods in the history of media freedom
What is the implication of Assange's guilty plea on the use of the Espionage Act in the future?
It leaves open the question of whether future governments might use it to go after uncomfortable journalism
What is the author's opinion on the release of Julian Assange?
The author believes Assange should never have been charged with espionage
Study Notes
Julian Assange's Release
- Julian Assange has been released from prison after agreeing to plead guilty to violating the US Espionage Act.
- He spent 1,901 days in a small cell in Britain's Belmarsh Prison, where he was isolated for 23 hours a day.
Assange's Journey
- Before Belmarsh, Assange spent almost seven years seeking asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London to evade extradition to Sweden for a rape investigation.
- When Ecuador rescinded his asylum claim in 2019, he was arrested by UK police for absconding from bail.
- The US wanted to extradite him for alleged conspiracy to commit computer intrusion and 17 counts of espionage, which could have led to life imprisonment.
Impact on Journalism
- Assange's case has had a serious chilling effect on public-interest journalism, sending a terrifying message to potential whistleblowers and reporters.
- The case raises concerns about the precedent set by Assange's guilty plea, potentially allowing future governments to use the Espionage Act to target uncomfortable journalism.
WikiLeaks and Journalism
- WikiLeaks exposed evidence of war crimes and abuses by the US government in Iraq and Afghanistan, fulfilling the purpose of the First Amendment to the US Constitution.
- Assange's role at WikiLeaks was celebrated with a Walkley Award for "Outstanding Contribution to Journalism", but it's essential to distinguish between WikiLeaks' work and traditional journalism, which comes with the responsibility to process and present information in line with ethical and professional standards.
Personal Experiences
- The author, who was imprisoned in Egypt on terrorism charges, understands the crushing mental and physical burden of incarceration and the disorientation that comes with sudden release.
Julian Assange is finally out of prison after agreeing to plead guilty to violating the US Espionage Act. Learn about his journey and celebrate his release.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
