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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:20:01

Julian Assange

Australian editor, publisher, activist, WikiLeaks founder
Australian editor, publisher, activist, WikiLeaks founder

Julian Assange, born Julian Paul Assange, gained global attention for WikiLeaks leaks. He faced legal issues and is currently in prison.

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1971-07-03
Birth of Julian Assange

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, was born on July 3, 1971, in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.

1987
Julian Assange becomes a skilled hacker under the name Mendax

In 1987, at the age of 16, Julian Assange became a skilled hacker under the pseudonym Mendax, known for his ethical hacking practices and sharing of information.

1989
Birth of Daniel, Assange's Son

In 1989, Julian Assange and his wife Teresa had a son named Daniel. The couple later separated and had a custody dispute over Daniel until 1999.

1991-09
Operation Weather targeting The International Subversives

The Australian Federal Police set up an investigation called Operation Weather to target The International Subversives.

1996-12
Assange pleads guilty to hacking charges

In December 1996, facing a theoretical sentence of 290 years in prison, Assange struck a plea deal and pleaded guilty to 24 hacking charges including breaches of the Crimes Act.

1998
Assange co-founded Earthmen Technology

In 1998, Assange co-founded the 'network intrusion detection technologies' company Earthmen Technology which developed linux kernel hacking with Trax.

2006-12
Founding of WikiLeaks

Julian Assange founded WikiLeaks in 2006 as a platform to release sensitive or classified documents. The first publication in December 2006 included a message from a Somali rebel leader advocating the assassination of government officials.

2007-12
Assange found key supporters at Chaos Computer Club conference

In December 2007, Julian Assange found key supporters at the Chaos Computer Club conference in Berlin, including Daniel Domscheit-Berg and Jacob Appelbaum. This event marked a significant moment in the early stages of WikiLeaks.

2009
Assange wins the 2009 Amnesty International New Media Award

Julian Assange won the 2009 Amnesty International New Media Award for his collaboration with the Sunday Times journalist Jon Swain on a report on political killings in Kenya. This recognition increased public awareness of WikiLeaks' publications.

2010-04-05
Release of U.S. Helicopter Video

WikiLeaks releases a leaked video showing a U.S. helicopter air strike that resulted in civilian casualties in Baghdad, including the deaths of two Reuters news staff.

2010-07-25
Release of Afghanistan War Documents

WikiLeaks publishes over 91,000 secret U.S. military reports related to the Afghanistan war, shedding light on various aspects of the conflict.

2010-08-11
Julian Assange arrives in Sweden

Julian Assange arrives in Sweden on a speaking trip and stays at 'Miss A's' apartment. He attends a seminar and reportedly has sexual encounters with 'Miss A' and 'Miss W'.

2010-08-14
Julian Assange attends seminar

Julian Assange attends a seminar on 'War and the role of media' in Sweden where he is the key speaker. Reports suggest he has a sexual encounter with 'Miss A' after the seminar.

2010-08-17
Julian Assange has sexual encounter with 'Miss W'

Julian Assange reportedly has a sexual encounter with a woman named 'Miss W' in Sweden.

2010-08-20
Swedish Prosecutor's Office issues arrest warrant

The Swedish Prosecutor's Office issues an arrest warrant for Julian Assange based on allegations of rape and molestation after consensual encounters turned non-consensual according to the women involved.

2010-08-21
Arrest warrant withdrawn

The arrest warrant for Julian Assange is withdrawn by Stockholm's chief prosecutors after doubts arise regarding the rape allegation. The investigation into molestation continues.

2010-09-27
Assange leaves Sweden for UK

Julian Assange left Sweden for the UK on 27 September 2010 and was arrested in his absence the same day.

2010-10-18
Swedish residency permit denied

On 18 October 2010, Julian Assange's request for a Swedish residency permit was denied because his application failed to fulfill all the requirements.

2010-11-18
Swedish Court Orders Assange's Arrest

A Swedish court issues an arrest warrant for Julian Assange over rape allegations, leading to his subsequent arrest in Britain and a legal battle for extradition.

2010-11-30
Interpol posts Red Notice for Assange

On 30 November 2010, Interpol posted a Red Notice and put Julian Assange on its most-wanted list.

2010-12-07
Assange arrested by Metropolitan Police

Julian Assange presented himself to and was arrested by officers from the Metropolitan Police Extradition Unit at Scotland Yard on 7 December 2010.

2011-09-02
US diplomatic cables published by Wikileaks revealing ASIO officer

On September 2, 2011, Australia's attorney general, Robert McClelland, stated that the US diplomatic cables published by Wikileaks identified at least one ASIO officer, which was considered a crime in Australia. McClelland expressed concerns about the lack of redaction in the documents that could endanger individuals and national security.

2012-06-14
Assange Seeks Asylum in Ecuadorian Embassy

After losing his final appeal against extradition, Julian Assange seeks refuge in Ecuador's embassy in London, where he remains for several years to avoid extradition.

2012-06-19
Julian Assange seeking political asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy

On June 19, 2012, Julian Assange applied for political asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy in London. This decision was influenced by concerns about extradition to the United States and marked the beginning of his extended stay at the embassy.

2012-08-16
Ecuador granting Julian Assange political asylum

On August 16, 2012, Ecuador announced that it was granting Julian Assange political asylum due to the perceived threat from a secret US investigation. This decision provided Assange with protection from potential extradition and prolonged his stay at the embassy.

2012-08-19
Assange speaks on embassy balcony

On 19th August 2012, Julian Assange appears on the Ecuadorian embassy balcony, calling for an end to the US government's pursuit of WikiLeaks.

2013-06
Assange Fears Extradition to US

In June 2013, Julian Assange expressed concerns that the US was moving to extradite him. Despite the withdrawal of the arrest warrant for sex offence claims, he stated that he would not leave the embassy.

2013-07
Founding of WikiLeaks Party

In July 2013, Julian Assange founded the WikiLeaks Party. The party performed poorly in the Australian general election in September 2013, capturing less than 1 percent of the national vote and failing to win any seats in the Senate.

2014-09-15
Assange's Remote Appearance in Auckland

Julian Assange appeared via video link at a town hall meeting in Auckland while campaigning for Kim Dotcom. He discussed the 'Operation Speargun' surveillance program and how he was targeted by it.

2015-07-03
Assange's Open Letter to François Hollande

On July 3, 2015, Julian Assange published an open letter to French President François Hollande requesting refugee status in France, which was declined by Hollande.

2015-08-12
Statute of limitations expires for some allegations

On 12 August 2015, Swedish prosecutors announced that the statute of limitations had expired for three of the allegations against Julian Assange while he was in the Ecuadorian embassy.

2015-08-13
Sexual Molestation Allegations Dropped

The inquiry into the sexual molestation and unlawful coercion allegations against Julian Assange is dropped due to a legal time limit, but the more serious rape allegation remains active.

2015-08-16
Foreign Office Accuses Ecuador of Interference

The Foreign Office accuses Ecuador of obstructing justice by providing Julian Assange with a safe haven.

2015-10-12
Police End 24-Hour Watch Outside Embassy

After three years and significant costs, the police call off their 24-hour watch outside the embassy where Julian Assange was residing.

2016-02-05
UN Declares Assange's Detention as Arbitrary

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention supports Julian Assange's legal team's appeal, declaring that Assange is being 'arbitrarily detained' at the embassy.

2016-02-09
New Request to Interview Assange

Prosecutors announce they are working on a new request to interview Julian Assange inside the embassy regarding the rape accusation.

2016-10-15
Assange's Internet Disconnection

From October 15 to December 2016, the Ecuadorian government severed Julian Assange's internet connection due to election interference concerns.

2017-01-19
Assange offers to agree to US extradition

Julian Assange tweets that he will agree to US extradition if President Obama grants clemency to Chelsea Manning, despite the unconstitutionality of the Department of Justice case.

2017-03-24
Government requests UN review on Assange's detention

The government formally asks the UN to review its 'deeply flawed' conclusion that Assange is being 'arbitrarily detained'.

2017-04-21
Jeff Sessions prioritizes Assange's arrest

The new US Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, declares that arresting Julian Assange is a top priority.

2017-05-19
Sweden drops investigation into Assange

After years of legal battles, Sweden's prosecutor announces the dropping of the rape case against Julian Assange, stating that all possibilities to conduct the investigation are exhausted.

2017-06-06
Assange's Support for Reality Winner

On June 6, 2017, Julian Assange expressed solidarity with NSA leaker Reality Winner, who had been arrested recently. Assange's tweet emphasized the importance of encouraging non-elite sources to share information.

2017-06-20
Sweden requests to interview Assange at embassy

Ecuador confirms Sweden has put in a formal request to enter the embassy and interview Assange.

2017-08-09
Appeal to comply with UN assertion for Assange

Sweden's court of appeal receives an appeal that argues it must comply with the UN assertion that Assange is being illegally deprived of his liberty.

2017-08-11
Assange to be questioned inside embassy

Assange will be questioned inside the embassy, Ecuador confirms.

2017-08-16
Assange's Meeting with Congressman Rohrabacher

On August 16, 2017, US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher visited Julian Assange and reportedly discussed a potential pardon from President Trump in exchange for denying Russian involvement in the 2016 DNC email leaks.

2017-09-16
Sweden rejects bid to drop arrest warrant

Sweden rejects the bid to get an arrest warrant dropped, saying nothing has changed.

2017-11-14
Swedish authorities question Assange at embassy

Swedish authorities get their chance to put questions to the WikiLeaks founder during a two-day interview at the embassy.

2018-01-19
Nigel Farage Allegedly Visiting Assange

Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage is claimed to have been making secret trips to the embassy to visit Julian Assange. It is alleged that he slipped a USB stick containing data to Assange. The claim was made by Fusion GPS boss Glenn Simpson.

2018-08-09
WikiLeaks Publishes Invitation to Assange

A letter is published on WikiLeaks claiming to be an invitation for Julian Assange to appear before the US Senate committee investigating Russian interference in the US presidential election. Both the US embassy and the Senate committee refused to comment.

2018-10-19
Assange launches legal action against Ecuador

Assange takes legal action against Ecuador for violating his rights and freedoms after they cut off his communications and internet access.

2018-10-30
Magistrates in Quito rule against Assange's legal action

Magistrates in Quito decide that Assange's legal action against Ecuador cannot proceed.

2018-11-16
Assange named in court filing in Virginia

Assange is named in a court filing in Virginia related to a case involving coercion of a minor for sex, with the charges to be unsealed upon his arrest.

2019-04-05
Ecuador denies claims of Assange's imminent expulsion

Ecuador's foreign affairs minister refutes claims that Assange would be expelled from the embassy within hours.

2019-04-11
Arrest of Julian Assange in Ecuadorian Embassy

Following the withdrawal of asylum by Ecuador on April 11, 2019, British police entered the embassy and arrested Julian Assange. Despite no longer being under investigation in Sweden, he faced charges in the UK and an extradition request from the United States for computer-related offenses.

2019-05-02
Assange's Hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court

Assange appears at Westminster Magistrates Court via videolink from Belmarsh Prison to fight extradition to the US over allegations of conspiring to break into a Pentagon computer. He defends his actions as journalism that has received awards.

2019-05-07
Pamela Anderson's Support for Assange

Actress Pamela Anderson expresses her love and support for Assange after meeting him at Belmarsh prison. She advocates for his release, stating he is innocent and does not deserve to be in a super-max prison.

2019-05-23
US Indictment of Assange on Espionage Charges

On May 23, 2019, a US grand jury added 17 espionage charges against Julian Assange, bringing the total federal charges to 18. These charges were related to Assange's involvement with Chelsea Manning and WikiLeaks, escalating the legal pressure on him.

2019-06-20
Revelation of Surveillance Recordings by El Pais

On June 20, 2019, El Pais revealed the existence of surveillance recordings and reports about Julian Assange conducted by UC Global in the Ecuadorian embassy. This revelation brought to light the extensive monitoring of Assange's activities.

2019-08-07
Spain's High Court Proceedings on Surveillance of Assange

Spain's High Court opened proceedings on August 7, 2019, to investigate the surveillance of Julian Assange after he filed a complaint against UC Global. The court inquiry focused on privacy violations, client-attorney privilege breaches, and other alleged illegal activities.

2019-10-21
Assange's Case Management Hearing

Assange appeared for a case management hearing at the court where he expressed concerns about the unfair advantages the prosecution had over him due to their unlimited resources and access to his writings.

2020-01-13
Assange Appears at Westminster Magistrates' Court

Julian Assange appears at Westminster Magistrates' Court with the support of numerous backers, including rapper MIA.

2020-02-20
Trump Offers Assange Pardon for Denying Russian Involvement

A court hears that President Trump allegedly offered Julian Assange a pardon in exchange for denying Russian involvement in the leak of Democratic Party emails.

2020-02-24
Assange's Extradition Hearing at Woolwich Crown Court

Julian Assange faces an extradition hearing at Woolwich Crown Court where his legal team argues against his extradition to the US for what they claim are 'political offences' based on a 2003 treaty.

2020-03-25
Assange Appears via Video Link at Westminster Magistrates' Court

Amid the coronavirus crisis, Julian Assange appears via video link at Westminster Magistrates' Court where he is denied bail.

2020-09-07
Assange Facing Espionage Indictment

Assange appeared in court facing an espionage indictment with 18 counts. He was warned by Judge Baraitser not to interrupt proceedings.

2021-01-04
Judge Baraitser's Extradition Ruling

Judge Baraitser ruled that Assange could not be extradited to the United States due to concerns about his mental health and the risk of suicide in a US prison.

2021-01-06
Assange Denied Bail

On January 6, 2021, Julian Assange was denied bail due to being considered a flight risk pending an appeal by the United States.

2021-01-15
US Prosecutors Appeal Extradition Denial

On January 15, 2021, US prosecutors appealed against the denial of extradition of Julian Assange.

2021-12-10
High Court Rules in Favor of US Extradition

On December 10, 2021, the High Court ruled in favor of the United States for Julian Assange's extradition, stating that the judge would have answered differently if certain assurances were presented.

2022-01-24
Assange wins first stage of Supreme Court appeal

Julian Assange wins the initial phase of his Supreme Court appeal against a ruling allowing his extradition to the US.

2022-02-09
NFT Auction Raises Funds for Assange's Legal Defense

On February 9, 2022, an NFT artwork auction organized by Pak in collaboration with Julian Assange raised funds for his legal defense.

2022-03-14
Assange denied permission to appeal extradition

Julian Assange is refused the right to appeal the High Court's decision from December 2021 to extradite him to the US, as confirmed by the Supreme Court.

2022-03-23
Assange marries fiancee at Belmarsh prison

Julian Assange ties the knot with his partner at Belmarsh prison, with their children and family members present. The bride wears a gown by Dame Vivienne Westwood.

2022-04-20
Formal Approval of Assange's Extradition

On April 20, 2022, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring approved the extradition of Julian Assange to the US.

2022-06-17
Extradition Approval by Home Secretary

On June 17, 2022, Home Secretary Priti Patel approved the extradition of Julian Assange.

2023-12-13
European Court of Human Rights Appeal Declared Inadmissible

On December 13, 2023, Julian Assange's appeal to the European Court of Human Rights was declared inadmissible.

2024-02-14
Australian House of Representatives motion

On 14 February 2024, the Australian House of Representatives passed a motion calling for Julian Assange's immediate release and return to Australia, with support from various political parties and crossbenchers.

2024-02-20
Assange's lawyers launch final legal bid to stop extradition

Assange's legal team initiates a last legal attempt to prevent his extradition to the United States at the High Court in Britain.

2024-03-26
UK court ruling on Assange's extradition

On March 26, 2024, a UK court ruled that Julian Assange cannot be extradited to the US on espionage charges until the US rules out the death penalty.

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Julian Assange
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