Bitcoin donations secure Asanji’s release
WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange was freed after a 14-year fight against extradition to the United States, thanks to a generous anonymous Bitcoiner. The 8 Bitcoin donation, worth about $500,000, helped Assange’s family pay off the debts they incurred due to travel and settlement expenses. This financial support was crucial in Assange’s last-ditch effort to secure his freedom.
Asanji’s strategic move to avoid US territory
According to Bitcoin News, on June 24, Asanji was released from Belmarsh Prison in the UK and quickly departed on a private plane for Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory.
Asanji, who planned the trip to avoid touching US territory, appeared in Saipan District Court on June 26 and pleaded guilty to one count of violating the US Espionage Act. The operation was instrumental in his prompt return to Australia.
Crowdfunding success and legal resolution
Julian’s wife Stella Assange has started a crowdfunding campaign to help pay off her $520,000 debt to the Australian government, which chartered the plane from Saipan to Australia.
Within 10 hours of posting the donation link, an anonymous Bitcoiner had donated over 8 bitcoins, nearly reaching the goal. The campaign also received over 300,000 British pounds (US$380,000) in fiat donations.
As a result, Assange returned to Australia debt-free. After serving his sentence in the UK, he walked out of a Saipan courtroom free, highlighting the role cryptocurrencies have played in supporting high-profile legal battles.