Mr Assange ran Wikileaks, an internet site that printed many confidential or restricted official stories associated to battle, spying and corruption.
In 2010, it launched a video from a US navy helicopter which confirmed civilians being killed within the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
It additionally printed 1000’s of confidential paperwork provided by former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. These advised that the US navy had killed tons of of civilians in unreported incidents through the battle in Afghanistan.
The revelations turned an enormous story, prompting response from all corners of the globe, and led to intense scrutiny of American involvement in overseas conflicts.
The US mentioned the leaks had endangered the lives of American personnel.
Mr Assange was accused of conspiring to break into its military databases, external to accumulate delicate info, and was charged with 18 offences.
Efforts have been made to deliver him to the US for prosecution – which he fought for 14 years in a number of the world’s highest courts.
Mr Assange has at all times argued that he uncovered severe abuses by US armed forces, and that the case in opposition to him was politically-motivated.
