Funeral Service Attended by WikiLeaks Founder Assange for Pope Francis - Mourners attending the funeral service for Pope Francis include WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange.
Julian Assange, the controversial founder of Wikileaks, caused a stir when he attended a memorial service for none other than Pope Francis in Rome. According to his wife's post on X, they attended the service to express gratitude for the Pope's support during Julian's legal battles. The family had even met avec *the Pontiff himself in June 2023, discussing Julian's potential release from Belmarsh Prison. The Pope had sent a letter to Julian while he was incarcerated and, surprisingly, offered asylum in the Vatican.
Last year, Julian returned to his native Australia after 12yrs of diplomatic asylum and prison time in the UK. He pleaded guilty to a charge regarding a conspiracy with the U.S. Justice Department to acquire and disclose classified information. The U.S. Justice Department has accused Julian of publishing around 700,000 confidential documents about U.S. military and diplomatic activities between 2010 and 2011. These documents included sensitive information about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, such as civilian killings and mistreatment of prisoners.
Supporters see Julian as a champion of free speech, while critics label him a traitor who jeopardized U.S. security and intelligence sources.
Now residing back in Australia, the fallout from his actions has drawn far-reaching consequences for journalistic freedom. The U.S. Justice Department's prosecution of Julian under the Espionage Act brings concerns about the protection of journalists who publish classified information. The handling of Julian's case remains hotly debated in discussions about press freedom and government oversight.
Despite the discussions with Pope Francis, it seems no recent or current talks about asylum in the Vatican have been confirmed. The details of the offer and any possible ramifications remain unknown.
- Julian Assange
- Pope Francis
- Wikileaks
- Rome
- Wife
- Controversial Figure
- St. Peter's Square
- U.S. Justice Department
- Children
- Implications for Journalistic Freedom
- Julian Assange attended a memorial service for Pope Francis in Rome, much to the dismay of many, as he is a controversial figure known for founding WikiLeaks.
- Assange's wife posted online about their attendance at the service, mentioning the Pope's support during Assange's legal battles and the family's meeting with him in June 2023.
- In 2023, the WikiLeaks founder met with Pope Francis and discussed his potential release from Belmarsh Prison, with the Pope even offering asylum in the Vatican.
- Assange's actions have had far-reaching consequences, including implications for journalistic freedom, with the U.S. Justice Department's prosecution of him under the Espionage Act being a cause for concern.
