An anonymous Bitcoin donor dramatically changed Julian Assange’s fate by contributing over $500,000 in Bitcoin to help cover his hefty debts. This generous donation, combined with other contributions, allowed Assange to pay off the costs of his chartered flight and legal settlements, ensuring he could return to Australia debt-free after pleading guilty to breaching the U.S. Espionage Act. This act of digital goodwill highlights the power of cryptocurrency and anonymous support in high-stakes legal battles.
An unknown Bitcoiner donated over 8 Bitcoin, worth around $500,000, to assist Julian Assange’s family in repaying the debt generated by his charter flight and settlement expenses, according to CoinTelegraph.
Assange was released from the high-security Belmarsh jail in the United Kingdom on June 24 following a plea agreement with US authorities. Shortly after his release, he flew on a private plane from a London airport to Saipan, a US territory.
On June 26, Assange appeared in a district court in Saipan and pleaded guilty to one count of violating the United States Espionage Act by disclosing confidential documents. The journey was meant to prevent Assange from touching their foot on American soil.
In an interview, Assange’s wife, Stella, warned that “freedom comes at a cost.” Assange is ordered to pay the Australian government $520,000 for the “forced” chartering of flight VJ199 to Saipan and Australia. Stella initiated a crowdfunding campaign to help the jailed founder pay off his debts once he returned to Australia.
Stella Assange provided the contribution link on June 25, and after 10 hours, an anonymous Bitcoiner contributed more than 8 Bitcoin to the fund, nearly meeting the $520,000 objective. He has also received more than 300,000 British pounds ($380,000) in fiat donations thus far.
The single Bitcoin donation was the greatest contribution to the charity, exceeding all other donations in all currencies combined. As a result, Assange will arrive in Australia without debt.
Recently, GreatGameIndia reported that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been released from Belmarsh prison after agreeing to plead guilty to leaking US national security secrets, securing his return to Australia and averting US extradition.