"While Julian pleads guilty to espionage, a trumped-up charge he should never have been forced to accept, we uphold him as a giant of journalistic integrity," Benjamin said.
On Monday, WikiLeaks said that Assange had been released from prison in the United Kingdom and departed the country. Court documents revealed that he is expected to plead guilty to US espionage charges as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors. The trial will be held on Wednesday on Saipan island at the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, a self-governing commonwealth of the United States.
Benjamin pointed out that she and her organization, CODEPINK, are thrilled at the news that Assange is regaining his freedom after the 14-year torturous ordeal.
"Without Julian Assange’s critical journalism, the world would know a lot less about war crimes committed by the United States and its allies," Benjamin said.
"He is the reason so many anti-war organizations in the United States like ours have the proof we need to fight against wars and militarism. We celebrate Julian’s release and commend his brave journalism."