Blogs & Articles: Anonymous Donor Pays $500,000 in Bitcoin to Julian Assange 🔗 10 weeks ago

An anonymous Bitcoin donor has contributed over $500,000 in Bitcoin to cover the expenses for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's return to Australia. Assange has been released after pleading guilty in a U.S. court as part of a deal ending his 14-year legal battle.

Julien Assange received just over 8 BTC (~$500k) in a single anonymous donation 10 hours ago

He has also received over £300k in fiat donations so far

Assange will therefore arrive in Australia debt free thanks in large part to the generosity of a single Bitcoin whale pic.twitter.com/dmzW6GzsmS

— Alistair Milne (@alistairmilne) June 26, 2024

Assange was released from a UK prison on June 24th and traveled to Saipan, a U.S. territory, to enter his plea. He had been fighting extradition to the U.S. on espionage charges related to WikiLeaks' publication of classified documents.

Assange arrived in Canberra, Australia, on June 26th and was reunited with his family. He has been an advocate for both Bitcoin and WikiLeaks since their inception. In 2010, when Bitcoin was still relatively unknown, he received donations in the asset.

To cover the $520,000 cost of his private charter flight arranged by the Australian government, Assange's wife issued an appeal for donations and provided a Bitcoin address. 

URGENT: Emergency appeal for donations to cover massive USD 520,000 debt for jet.

Julian’s travel to freedom comes at a massive cost: Julian will owe USD 520,000 which he is obligated to pay back to the Australian government for charter Flight VJ199. He was not permitted to fly… pic.twitter.com/J6sTbXij53

— Stella Assange #FreeAssangeNOW (@Stella_Assange) June 25, 2024

A single donor sent over 8 Bitcoin, worth nearly $500,000, to cover the entire expense, enabling Assange to return without financial burden.

The donor's contribution highlights the ongoing support within the Bitcoin community for Assange and his work revealing government secrets. 

The identity of the donor remains unknown, but the donation underscores Bitcoin's role in enabling uncensored free speech and financial freedom.

In the coming weeks, efforts will focus on helping Assange recuperate after his prolonged confinement. 

Given his history with the technology, his engagement with Bitcoin is likely to continue. Assange's case has symbolized the conflict between individual liberties and governmental authority.