This article is a guest contribution from Kadan Stadelmann, CTO of Komodo Blockchain.
Julian Assange’s Return: A Look at His Experience
After being released from prison in June, Julian Assange made his first public appearance earlier this month, presenting to the legal affairs and human rights committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. During this address, he shared insights into the psychological toll his incarceration has had on him.
“I want to be totally clear. I am not free today because the system worked,” stated Assange. “I am free today because after years of incarceration I pleaded guilty to journalism. I pleaded guilty to seeking information from a source.”
His Time in Solitary Confinement
From 2012 to 2017, Assange found refuge at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London before being detained in a high-security British prison from 2019 to 2024. Reflecting on his experiences, he poignantly remarked:
“It strips away one’s sense of self, leaving only the raw essence of existence,” Assange expressed. He apologized for his “faltering words” and “unpolished presentation.”
Recognition of Assange’s Plight
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe released a report characterizing Assange as a “political prisoner,” raising concerns about his treatment and the severe nature of the charges against him by the United States.
Assange’s Connection to Bitcoin
Assange’s trajectory brings to light his ties with Bitcoin, particularly after WikiLeaks began accepting it in response to a broad financial blockade imposed by major institutions. Initially triggered by PayPal’s actions, this blockade extended to Visa, MasterCard, and Bank of America. These organizations cited “terms of service” as their rationale for denying donations.
The Fallout from WikiLeaks’ Revelations
WikiLeaks’ publication of over 250,000 classified U.S. State Department cables angered powerful entities. This included revealing CIA activities that involved espionage against foreign leaders. Despite these actions resulting in a major backlash, including condemnation from human rights bodies and the UN, the U.S. government did not pursue legal action against Assange for publishing classified information.
“This is a significant victory against Washington’s attempt to silence WikiLeaks,” Assange declared in response to a legal victory in Iceland that challenged the financial blockade. “Economic censorship is censorship.”
Assange’s Perspective on the Future of Blockchain
Upon his release, Assange expressed concern over the significant ground lost in the fight for freedom during his incarceration but noted that public awareness has increased. He acknowledged Bitcoin’s pivotal role in modern society and its growing adoption by nation-states like El Salvador and Bhutan.
A Vision for Journalism
In a Reddit AMA, Assange articulated his belief in the potential of blockchain technology, particularly its implications for journalism, stating:
“Bitcoin’s real innovation is a globally verifiable proof of publishing at a certain time, which can serve to break the control over historical narratives.”
Ultimately, Assange views Bitcoin as a crucial innovation that has helped safeguard information in the face of economic and governmental censorship.
