STRASBOURG, France – After years of incarceration, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange made a public appearance in Strasbourg, France, where he addressed the legal affairs and human rights committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. This marked his first public remarks following his release from prison in June. With lawmakers from 46 European countries present, Assange spoke about the impact of his detention and conviction.

Upon his arrival, Assange was met with a warm welcome from a group of supporters who held a banner that read “Thank you, Julian.” As he stepped out of a van with his wife, Stella, and WikiLeaks editor-in-chief, Kristinn Hrafnsson, Assange raised his fist in a show of defiance, signaling his resilience in the face of adversity.

During his address to the European parliamentarians, Assange asserted that his release was not a result of the system working, but rather because he “pled guilty to journalism.” He emphasized his commitment to seeking and disseminating information to the public, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in today’s society.

Having spent five years in a British prison for publishing U.S. military secrets, Assange’s legal saga concluded with a plea deal with the Justice Department. Prior to his prison term, he sought asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for seven years, citing political persecution as the reason for his refuge.

Transitioning from solitary confinement to addressing the Parliamentary Assembly, Assange described his experience in prison as a profound and surreal shift. He spoke of the challenges he faced in isolation, acknowledging the toll it took on his physical and mental well-being.

Despite facing criticism for his actions, Assange’s supporters, including press freedom advocates, hailed his efforts in exposing military misconduct and promoting transparency. He faced backlash for publishing classified information, such as the 2007 Apache helicopter attack video, which revealed the harsh realities of war.

Following his guilty plea in a U.S. district court, Assange returned to Australia as a free man in late June, accompanied by his wife. The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly published a report on his detention, deeming him a political prisoner and expressing deep concern over his treatment in a high-security U.K. prison.

As Assange continues to navigate the aftermath of his legal battles, his appearance before the European parliamentarians serves as a reminder of the complex intersections between journalism, activism, and freedom of information. His journey from incarceration to advocacy highlights the enduring struggle for truth and transparency in an ever-evolving media landscape.