Stella Assange says husband needs time to recuperate after arriving in Australia following plea deal with US
Consultant, journalist, computer programmer, producer, editor …
Assange is being asked some formal questions by the judge before further proceedings.
He is first asked about some biographical details – he is 52, went to university but didn’t obtain any degree.
He says he has been a consultant, journalist, computer programmer, producer, editor and documentary editor.
Julian Assange is now being sworn in.
“My name is Julian Paul Assange,” he tells the court, spelling out his name. It’s the first words we’ve heard from him.
Julian Assange’s father, John Shipton, is speaking with Australian ABC News and said:
Well, I mean, doing cartwheels is a good expression of the joy that one feels that Julian is returned home – well, about to return home.
The circumstances, there may be some questions to be resolved by the lawyers and the diplomats in the future, but having Julian home to an ordinary life after 15 years of incarceration in one form or another – house arrest, jail and asylum in an embassy – is pretty good news.
How is Julian feeling? His father says:
As you can easily imagine … his spirits have lifted and he will be able to spend quality time with his wife, Stella, and his two children, be able to walk up and down the beach and feel the sand through his toes in winter, that lovely chill. And be able to learn how to be patient and play with your children for a couple of hours. All of the great beauty of ordinary life.
‘Why is this case happening in Saipan?’
This is the 94th district court in the US, the country’s smallest, youngest and furthest from the capital.
She’s asking “why is this case happening in Saipan?”
McKenzie, for the USG says “after months and years of discussion” they decided to because it is close to Julian Assange’s native Australia and will accommodate him traveling home immediately after the proceeding.
Judge Manglona notes this is the first US jurisdiction Assange has appeared in since he committed the act abroad, and adds that a lot of people forget the northern Marianas are part of US jurisdiction.
Judge notes national interest in case but urges people not to record
Judge Ramona V Manglona notes the packed court room and is warning people not to broadcast or record video or audio.
She also notes the international interest, and orders that a recording proceedings will be docketed and available on PACER.
Judge says amendment made, no details yet
Anderson and McKenzie are counsel for US.
The judge says the two sides met together in chambers earlier, and there has been an amendment made. No details but we’ll address it soon, she says.
Judge Ramona V Manglona has now entered the room.
Julian Assange’s wife, Stella Assange, has shared a video of him arriving at the Saipan court to X earlier this morning and said:
I watch this and think how overloaded his senses must be, walking through the press scrum after years of sensory depravation and the four walls of his high security Belmarsh prison cell.
Julian has arrived at the federal court house in Saipan.
— Stella Assange #FreeAssangeNOW (@Stella_Assange) June 25, 2024
I watch this and think how overloaded his senses must be, walking through the press scrum after years of sensory depravation and the four walls of his high security Belmarsh prison cell.
pic.twitter.com/BzgkpWPXdy
All eyes are on Julian Assange, who is sitting quietly at the defence’s table, and appears to be reading court documents alongside his lawyer.
Kevin Rudd and Stephen Smith are sitting with his legal team behind him, and they’re talking amongst themselves.
Gabriel Shipton, Assange’s brother, has just told Sky News Australia that the family was “overwhelmed”.
We are very much looking forward to having him home.
