Julian Assange Pleads Guilty to Leaking US National Security Secrets

Key Events in the WikiLeaks Case

2010: WikiLeaks publishes US diplomatic cables

WikiLeaks, a website founded by Julian Assange, publishes a trove of US diplomatic cables, exposing sensitive information about US foreign policy.

2011: Assange charged with sexual assault in Sweden

Assange is accused of sexual assault by two women in Sweden. He flees to the Ecuadorian embassy in London to avoid extradition.

2012: Assange granted asylum in Ecuador

Ecuador grants Assange asylum, allowing him to remain in its embassy in London.

2019: Ecuador revokes Assange's asylum

Ecuador revokes Assange's asylum, citing his "disrespectful and aggressive" behavior. British police arrest Assange and charge him with violating his bail conditions.

2020: Assange indicted by US on espionage charges

The US charges Assange with 18 counts of espionage and conspiracy to commit computer intrusion.

2022: Assange pleads guilty to violating US computer intrusion laws

Assange pleads guilty to one count of violating the US Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, admitting that he helped former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning obtain access to classified information.

Conclusion

Julian Assange's guilty plea is a significant development in the long-running WikiLeaks case. It remains to be seen if he will be extradited to the US to face charges, but the guilty plea is likely to have a major impact on the future of WikiLeaks and the ongoing debate over the role of whistleblowers in the digital age.