Fourteen years later, after six prime ministers who remained silent, Assange breaks the pattern and says it was Albanese who secured freedom.
One day before the vote ended, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese received public support from WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
“The truth is that, having become an impressive field of advocates, “Albo” did more to secure my freedom than any other politician or public figure. That support is moving and more important than the late Pope,” Assange said in a statement shared with the Epoch Times.
After 14 years of legal battles, Assange returned to Australia in June 2024.
He says Albanese has repeatedly raised it with former US President Joe Biden, empowering diplomatic efforts behind the scenes.
Approximately 800,000 Australians have signed a petition requesting Assange’s release.
“I kept his words.”
Assange added that he was supporting Albanese when he was not in power either.
“Even while opposed, Albo has committed to listening and acting to the Australian public and my family,” Assange said. “But the opposition is simple. What’s important is that he took office.”
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Regarding Scott Morrison’s former prime minister, Assangeed said, “At the time he was publicly supportive of my extradition he joined Dyna Maritime, a US arms contractor associated with former CIA chief Mike Pompeo, who openly boasted of coordinating my detention.”
He added that while six prime ministers came and went during the year they were imprisoned, no one agreed to meet his legal team.
“Contrary to all expectations, when elected, Albanese kept his words,” he said.
Last minute support from the famous Assange, who maintains a loyal foundation of supporters, may provide a small but iconic boost to Albanese’s position.
But he said he needed to do more work.
“Does this mean that Albo will always put Australia’s interests first and navigate tensions with the US, EU and China with skills? I can’t say for sure.”
Assange, who founded WikiLeaks in 2006, is known for his release of classified footage showing a fatal US helicopter attack in Baghdad, as well as subsequent diplomatic cables and military records leaks.
