Julian Assange Expresses Adjustment to the "Chilling Echo" of Electric Vehicles' Engine Sounds
In a recent appearance before European lawmakers, Julian Assange, the co-founder of WikiLeaks, shed light on his experiences following his release from a British prison in June. The controversial figure, who spent five years behind bars, highlighted the impact of his confinement on his mental and physical well-being.
The hearing, which took place in France, saw Assange discuss a range of topics, including the technological advancements he's observed during his time in isolation, such as artificial intelligence-powered weapons and the rise of electric vehicles. He also touched upon the injustices he witnessed within the prison system, painting a bleak picture of his time there.
Assange opened his testimony by emphasizing the harshness of solitary confinement, stating, "The experience of isolation for years in a small cell is difficult to convey. It strips away one’s sense of self, leaving only the raw essence of existence." He went on to describe the harrowing incidents he observed within the prison, including reports of deaths by hanging, murder, and medical negligence.
released from a British prison in June. The WikiLeaks co-founder took a plea deal rather than face extradition to the U.S. from the UK, where he’d spent the past five years in prison. Assange said that after so many years in confinement he “eventually chose freedom over unrealizable justice” by taking the plea deal.
The WikiLeaks founder reiterated his belief that he chose freedom over "unrealizable justice" by signing a plea deal rather than face extradition to the U.S. He scoffed at the idea that he was released due to the system working in his favor, saying, "I am not free today because the system worked. I am free today after years of incarceration because I played guilty to journalism."
Assange's leak of classified documents in 2010, including the infamous "Collateral Murder" video, made him a target for American authorities. He faced 18 counts of violating the Espionage Act and criminal hacking charges, which could have resulted in up to 170 years in prison. His case took a strange turn when he sought asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy in the UK in 2012, only to be dragged out by British authorities in 2019. It was during this time that charges against Assange were brought by the U.S. Department of Justice.
April 2019. It was then that charges against Assange were first brought by the U.S. Department of Justice under President Donald Trump, a peculiar move given the fact that Trump often talked about how much he loved WikiLeaks. Trump didn’t pardon Assange before leaving office, and the WikiLeaks founder even claimed he was
Assange's remarks during the hearing resonated with the European audience, particularly his warning that U.S. prosecutors were attempting to assert that only U.S. citizens have free speech rights. He also lamented the fact that he could not file a Freedom of Information Act request regarding his extradition to the UK, as part of his plea agreement.
Assange explained that his release was a result of his guilty plea to journalism-related charges, emphasizing that he did not plead guilty to any other crimes. He also shared his thoughts on the metaverse, expressing his interest in cryptography and its potential to protect journalistic sources, while expressing skepticism about the motivations behind recent technological innovations.
offered a pardon in 2017 to deny that Russia was responsible for the hacking of emails by top Democrats in 2016.
The hearing lasted for nearly two hours and was livestreamed on YouTube. Assange's wife, Stella, and WikiLeaks editor Kristinn Hrafnsson were present, with Stella switching off his microphone during one humorous moment.
In the ensuing question-and-answer session, Assange revealed that he was still getting used to life outside of confinement, from the "spooky sound of electric cars" to the challenges of being a husband and father again. He also revealed that he expected some form of legal fight and harassment from the U.S. government, but was taken aback by the extent to which they would eventually go.
switch off Julian’s microphone. The audience of European lawmakers laughed and clapped at this new form of censorship in Julian’s life.
Assange's release and subsequent testimony have sparked a renewed interest in his case and the broader issues of journalism, whistleblowing, and free speech. His experience serves as a stark reminder of the power of governments to persecute those who challenge the status quo.
During the hearing, Assange discussed the advancements in technology he observed while in isolation, including the rise of electric vehicles and the use of artificial intelligence in weapons. He critically spoke about his time in prison, highlighting the injustices he experienced.
The tech-savvy activist also touched upon the future of technology, expressing his interest in cryptography's potential to protect journalistic sources and sharing his skepticism about certain innovative motivations. He mentioned the "spooky sound" of electric cars as a new experience after his release.
Assange's testimony was livestreamed on YouTube, and at one point, his wife, Stella, briefly switched off his microphone, causing amusement among the audience. This incident resonated with the audience, emphasizing the challenges faced by individuals exercising their freedom of speech.
In his plea agreement, Assange was offered the chance to file a Freedom of Information Act request regarding his extradition to the UK; however, this privilege was not included in the agreement. He expressed disappointment about this limitation, reiterating his belief in transparency and openness in political processes.