After an arduous 14-year struggle against extradition to the United States, WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange has finally tasted freedom. In a remarkable act of solidarity, an anonymous Bitcoiner donated over 8 Bitcoin, equivalent to approximately $500,000, aiding Assange’s family in settling the substantial debt amassed through his travel and legal battles.

On June 24, Assange emerged from the high-security confines of Belmarsh Prison in the United Kingdom, following a plea agreement with U.S. authorities. Soon after his release, he boarded a private aircraft from a London airstrip, destined for Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory.

On June 26, Assange stood before a district court in Saipan, where he admitted to one count of violating the U.S. Espionage Act by disseminating classified documents. This strategic maneuver ensured that Assange did not set foot on American soil.

A donation link, shared by Stella Assange on June 25, catalyzed an outpouring of support. Within a mere 10 hours, an anonymous benefactor transferred over 8 Bitcoin to the fund, nearly reaching the $520,000 target. To date, more than 300,000 British pounds ($380,000) have been collected in fiat donations as well.

This single Bitcoin contribution, the largest among all currencies, eclipsed all other donations combined. Consequently, Assange will return to Australia free from financial encumbrances.

During Assange’s court appearance on June 26, Judge Ramona Manglona sentenced him to five years and two months of incarceration for the espionage charges. However, having already served an equivalent period in the U.K. while contesting extradition, Assange exited the courtroom as a free man.