ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has struck a plea bargain with the U.S. Justice Department, leading to his release just in time to catch tomorrow night’s State of Origin match in Melbourne.
Assange, who has been at the centre of a global legal storm since the publication of classified documents, expressed his joy at being freed and his eagerness to get home.
“I’m very happy to be out and for all of this to be over. Finally,” Assange told reporters from the Ecuadorian Embassy balcony, for old time’s sake.
“It’s been a long haul. It’s been hell. I never thought this day would come. I never thought I’d live to walk the Townsville Strand again. But what’s more important now is if anyone has a spare ticket to Origin 2 at the MCG. I want to see Reece Walsh get his revenge. Also, I would like to see Trellmit in full flight. Not too full, though. I’d also like to see him get folded a few times.”
The announcement came after court papers revealed that Assange would plead guilty to a felony charge, resolving the legal saga that saw him evading authorities in the Ecuadorian embassy in London and facing potential extradition to the United States. His release marks the end of a dramatic chapter in Assange’s life and the international legal community.
When asked about his plans now that he’s free, Assange was quick to pivot from espionage to entertainment.
“I’ve had enough of classified documents and diplomatic drama. I just want to enjoy a meat pie and watch some footy. It’s the simple things you miss when you’re locked away. I want to go to Revolver and not leave for 36 hours. Can you still do that?”
Assange’s sudden plea deal has been met with mixed reactions. Legal experts are poring over the details, human rights advocates are celebrating, and sports fans are, well, trying to figure out how they can help a high-profile whistleblower and Living Australian Treasure score some last-minute tickets.
While the State of Origin clash between New South Wales and Queensland is expected to be fierce, Assange’s newfound freedom has added an unexpected twist to the event. As fans gear up for the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the question on everyone’s lips is whether someone will come through for the big Queenslander and offer him a ticket.
In a plea to the public, Assange added, “If anyone has a spare, send me a DM on MySpace. Fitzy and Wippa? Jackie-O and Radio Chungus? I’d go in the Channel 9 box, even. Anyone but Spotlight or Channel 7. Their standard of journalism disgusts me.”
With his release making headlines worldwide, Assange’s current focus on footy rather than files has given Australians a rare reason to chuckle amidst the current hardness of living. For a man who’s spent years behind bars and in hiding, a night at the footy could be the perfect kick-off to his newfound freedom.
More to come.
