🕓⚠️TIMELINE: Rise & Fall of Assange - How Journalism Went from Bombshell War Crimes to Self-Destruction

The story of Julian Assange.

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🕓 Arrest warrant issued for alleged rape in Sweden, denies claims in Stockholm. Interpol steps in and Assange is held behind bars in London.

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🕓 Extradition to Sweden granted as case heads to UK's highest court. Supreme Court rejects his appeal and Assange steps into Ecuadorian embassy on June 19, 2012.

Fearing possible extradition to US, he requests political asylum. WikiLeaks publishes bombshell details on Afghanistan & Iraq - alleging war crimes by US. He's granted asylum in August.

Makes iconic appearance on balcony as Met Police guard, waiting for him to step outside. Within months of being cooped up he develops lung disease.

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Loses legal battle to cancel Sweden's arrest warrant. Assange tells press he won't step outside embassy over extradition fears - but his health is turning.

Cost of police standing guard at embassy reaches £12mn.

In August, legal time limit to prosecute for most charges in Sweden elapses.

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At the end of 2016, Sweden questions Assange inside embassy. Earlier, Assange's cat makes appearance at window - a gift from his children.

Jan 2017, Chelsea Manning released by outgoing US President Obama. Assange says he will go to US if his rights are respected.


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Farage & USB - claims emerge Nigel Farage brought data to Assange in embassy (allegedly related to Steele Dossier and Russiagate).

By October, Assange accuses Ecuador of violating his rights - communications and internet cut off.

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April 5 Ecuador says Assange won't be expelled imminently - but just days later they invite British police in. Foreign Sec. Jeremy Hunt thanks Ecuador for cooperation.

Sweden reopens case against Assange - and then drop it completely stating it's lacking evidence!

Assange enters Belmarsh prison.

@RiseGS