Assange pleads guilty in deal with US securing his freedom

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange admitted to one felony count related to publishing classified US military information. The plea agreement with the Justice Department ensures his release, ending a prolonged legal battle that ignited debates on press freedom and national security. The US Justice Department agreed to hold the hearing on the remote island due to Assange’s opposition to coming to the continental US and its proximity to Australia, where he will return after entering his plea.