Early Life and Education of Julian Assange: A Complete Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of Julian Assange, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
Julian Assange, an Australian editor, publisher, and activist, founded WikiLeaks in 2006. He gained international prominence in 2010 following WikiLeaks' publication of leaked materials from Chelsea Manning, including footage of a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad, war logs from Afghanistan and Iraq, and U.S. diplomatic cables. While lauded by some for his work in journalism and publishing, he has also faced legal challenges and controversy.
July 1971: Birth of Julian Assange
In July 1971, Julian Paul Assange (né Hawkins) was born in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. He is known as an Australian editor, publisher, and activist and the founder of WikiLeaks.
1979: Divorce of Mother and Stepfather
Around 1979, Christine and Brett Assange divorced. Brett Assange is an actor with whom she ran a small theatre company and whom Julian Assange regards as his father, choosing Assange as his surname.
1979: Attendance at Goolmangar Primary School
From 1979, Julian Assange attended Goolmangar Primary School in New South Wales during his childhood.
1982: Separation from Leif Meynell
In 1982, Christine Assange separated from Leif Meynell, also known as Leif Hamilton, whom Julian Assange described as "a member of an Australian cult" called The Family.
1983: End of Attendance at Goolmangar Primary School
In 1983, Julian Assange concluded his attendance at Goolmangar Primary School in New South Wales.
1987: Becoming a Skilled Hacker
By 1987, at the age of 16, Julian Assange had become a skilled hacker known as Mendax. Around this time, the police raided his mother's home and confiscated his equipment due to allegations of stealing from Citibank.
1989: Birth of Son Daniel
In 1989, Assange and his wife Teresa had a son named Daniel.
1993: Assistance to Victoria Police
In 1993, Julian Assange provided technical support to the Victoria Police Child Exploitation Unit to prosecute individuals involved in child pornography distribution.
1994: Studies at Central Queensland University
In 1994, Julian Assange studied programming, mathematics, and physics at Central Queensland University, though he did not complete a degree.
December 1996: Plea Deal and Sentencing
In December 1996, Julian Assange struck a plea deal and pleaded guilty to 24 hacking charges. He was sentenced to a fine of A$2,100 and released on a A$5,000 good behaviour bond due to his disrupted childhood and the absence of malicious intent.
1996: Conviction for Hacking
In 1996, Julian Assange was convicted for hacking, marking an early legal challenge related to his involvement in the hacker community.
1996: Police Assistance Mentioned During Sentencing
In 1996, Julian Assange's role in assisting the police with child exploitation cases was discussed during his sentencing for computer hacking charges.
1999: Custody Dispute Resolved
In 1999, Assange and Teresa resolved their custody dispute over their son Daniel.
2003: Studies at the University of Melbourne
From 2003 to 2006, Julian Assange studied programming, mathematics, and physics at the University of Melbourne, though he did not complete a degree.
December 2006: Last Access of OkCupid Profile
In December 2006, Assange's OkCupid profile, created under the username Harry Harrison, was last accessed.
2006: Studies at the University of Melbourne
From 2003 to 2006, Julian Assange studied programming, mathematics, and physics at the University of Melbourne, though he did not complete a degree.
January 2007: Assange Mentions Having a Daughter
In an email in January 2007, Assange mentioned having a daughter.
2007: Travels on WikiLeaks Business
From 2007 to 2010, Julian Assange travelled continuously on WikiLeaks business, visiting Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
2010: Travels on WikiLeaks Business
From 2007 to 2010, Julian Assange travelled continuously on WikiLeaks business, visiting Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
2010: Autobiography Deal
In 2010, Assange received a deal for his autobiography worth at least US$1.3 million.
2010: Assange Declares Himself a Libertarian
In 2010, Assange stated he was a libertarian and that WikiLeaks was designed to make capitalism more free and ethical and to expose injustice.
2011: Domscheit-Berg Memoir
In 2011, Daniel Domscheit-Berg said in his memoir Inside WikiLeaks that Assange said he had fathered several children.
June 2012: Toilet Removed in Women's Bathroom at Assange's Request
In June 2012, the embassy staff removed the toilet in the women's bathroom at Assange's request so he could sleep in the quiet room, which he also used to meet with his lawyers.
June 2012: Assange applies for political asylum in Ecuadorian embassy
On 19 June 2012, Assange applied for political asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. An office was converted into a studio apartment with amenities.
August 2012: Ecuador Grants Asylum
In August 2012, Ecuador granted Julian Assange asylum based on political persecution concerns and potential extradition to the United States.
August 2012: Ecuador grants Assange political asylum
On 16 August 2012, Ecuador granted Assange political asylum due to the threat represented by the United States secret investigation against him. Ecuador stated that his life, safety, or personal integrity may be in danger.
2013: Assange Claims Hacker Status
In 2013, Assange declared himself the "number three" hacker in the world.
2013: Launch of WikiLeaks Party
In 2013, Julian Assange launched the WikiLeaks Party and unsuccessfully ran for the Australian Senate.
2015: Relationship with Stella Assange Begins
In 2015, Assange began a relationship with Stella Assange.
2015: Assange Reveals He Has Another Child
In 2015, Assange revealed in an open letter that he had another child who was French.
2016: Debate Over Motives and Ties to Russia
After the 2016 US presidential election, there was debate about Assange's motives and his ties to Russia.
May 2017: Assange remains in embassy to avoid extradition
On 19 May 2017, Assange stated he would remain inside the Ecuadorian embassy to avoid extradition to the United States, despite no longer facing a Swedish sex investigation.
2017: Engagement to Stella Assange
In 2017, Assange became engaged to Stella Assange.
2017: Assange Comments on WikiLeaks Record
In 2017, Assange stated WikiLeaks had a perfect record and that only 2 per cent of mainstream journalists were credible.
April 2019: Assange incarcerated at HM Prison Belmarsh
After his arrest on April 11, 2019, Julian Assange was incarcerated at HM Prison Belmarsh in London.
May 2019: UN rapporteur concludes Assange shows symptoms of psychological torture
In May 2019, after visiting Julian Assange in prison, Nils Melzer, the United Nations special rapporteur on Torture, concluded that Assange showed symptoms typical of prolonged exposure to psychological torture, including extreme stress and chronic anxiety.
May 2019: First hearing held on US extradition request
On May 2, 2019, the first hearing was held in London regarding the U.S. request for Julian Assange's extradition. He stated he did not wish to surrender himself for extradition for doing journalism. On June 13, the British home secretary signed the extradition order.
September 2019: Judge rules Assange will not be released
On September 13, 2019, District Judge Vanessa Baraitser ruled that Julian Assange would not be released when his prison term ended on September 22, because he was a flight risk and his lawyers had not applied for bail.
October 2019: Assange appears for case management hearing
On October 21, 2019, Julian Assange appeared for a case management hearing at the court.
November 2019: Medical professionals raise concerns about Assange's health
Between November 2019 and February 2020, members of the medical profession raised concerns about Julian Assange's health and detention conditions, signing petitions on his behalf.
November 2019: Melzer states Assange's health is deteriorating
On November 1, 2019, Nils Melzer stated that Julian Assange's health had continued to deteriorate and his life was at risk, also saying that the UK government had not acted on the issue.
December 2019: Melzer accuses UK government of torturing Assange
On December 30, 2019, Nils Melzer accused the UK government of torturing Julian Assange, stating that his continued exposure to mental and emotional suffering amounted to psychological torture.
2019: Birth of Second Son
In 2019, Assange and Stella Assange had their second son.
2019: Swedish Investigation Dropped
In 2019, Swedish prosecutors dropped their investigation against Julian Assange.
February 2020: Court hears arguments on extradition
In February 2020, the court heard legal arguments in Julian Assange's case. His lawyers argued that he had been charged with political offenses and therefore could not be extradited.
February 2020: Australian MPs visit Assange and press for intervention
On February 17, 2020, Australian MPs Andrew Wilkie and George Christensen visited Julian Assange and urged the UK and Australian governments to intervene and prevent his extradition.
March 2020: Assange denied bail due to extradition risk
On March 25, 2020, Julian Assange was denied bail after Judge Baraitser rejected his lawyers' argument that his imprisonment would put him at high risk of contracting COVID-19, citing his past conduct to avoid extradition.
September 2020: Assange appears in court on espionage charges
On September 7, 2020, Julian Assange appeared in court, facing the espionage indictment with 18 counts. He was warned by Judge Baraitser after interrupting the US government's lawyer.
2020: Stella Assange Reveals Relationship
In 2020, Stella Assange revealed her relationship with Julian Assange due to fears for his life.
January 2021: Legal team challenges extradition decision
On August 22, 2022, Julian Assange's legal team lodged a Perfected Grounds of Appeal before the High Court challenging District Judge Vanessa Baraitser's decision of January 4, 2021 with new evidence.
January 2021: Judge rules Assange cannot be extradited
On January 4, 2021, Judge Baraitser ruled that Julian Assange could not be extradited to the United States, citing concerns about his mental health and the risk of suicide in a US prison.
January 2021: Assange denied bail, US appeals extradition denial
On January 6, 2021, Julian Assange was denied bail, pending an appeal by the United States. On January 15, US prosecutors appealed against the denial of extradition.
July 2021: Ecuador Revokes Assange's Citizenship
In July 2021, Ecuador revoked Assange's citizenship due to unpaid fees and inconsistencies in his naturalization papers.
July 2021: US assures Crown Prosecution Services regarding Assange's treatment
In July 2021, following the decision that it would be "oppressive" to extradite Assange, the Biden administration assured the Crown Prosecution Services that Julian Assange would not be subject to special administrative measures or imprisoned at ADX Florence.
August 2021: High Court grants permission to raise suicide risk on appeal
In August 2021, the High Court ruled that Judge Baraitser may have given too much weight to a misleading report by a defense expert witness and granted permission for the contested risk of suicide to be raised on the appeal in Julian Assange's case.
October 2021: High Court holds appeal hearing
In October 2021, the High Court held a two-day appeal hearing. The U.S. argued that Julian Assange's health issues were less severe than claimed. Assange's lawyer pointed to a Yahoo! News report that the CIA had plotted to harm Assange.
November 2021: Legal Action Over Marriage Delay
In November 2021, Assange and Stella Assange said they were preparing legal action for delaying their marriage.
December 2021: High Court rules in favor of the United States
On December 10, 2021, the High Court ruled in favor of the United States, allowing Julian Assange's extradition. The case was remitted to Westminster Magistrates' Court to be sent to the home secretary for the final decision.
January 2022: Assange granted permission to petition Supreme Court
On January 24, 2022, Julian Assange was granted permission to petition the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom for an appeal hearing.
March 2022: Marriage in Belmarsh Prison
On March 23, 2022, Assange and Stella Assange married in Belmarsh Prison.
April 2022: Extradition of Assange formally approved
On April 20, 2022, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring of the Westminster Magistrates Court formally approved the extradition of Julian Assange to the US and referred the decision to the home secretary.
June 2022: Patel approves Assange extradition
On June 17, 2022, Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, approved the extradition of Julian Assange.
July 2022: Assange lodges appeal against extradition
On July 1, 2022, Julian Assange lodged an appeal against the extradition in the High Court.
August 2022: Legal team lodges appeal challenging extradition decision
On August 22, 2022, Julian Assange's legal team lodged a Perfected Grounds of Appeal before the High Court challenging District Judge Vanessa Baraitser's decision of January 4, 2021 with new evidence.
December 2022: Appeal to European Court of Human Rights declared inadmissible
On December 13, 2022, Julian Assange's further appeal to the European Court of Human Rights was declared inadmissible.
2022: Extradition order signed by Home Secretary Patel
In 2022, Home Secretary Patel signed an extradition order for Assange, which his legal team subsequently appealed.
2022: Australian Government Opposes Prosecution
In 2022, the incoming Australian Labor government indicated its opposition to the continued prosecution of Assange.
May 2023: Assange writes to King Charles III
In May 2023, Julian Assange wrote a letter to King Charles III saying he was a political prisoner and requesting the King visit him in prison.
May 2023: Assange's lawyers open to plea deal
In May 2023, Julian Assange's lawyers said they were open to a plea deal but maintained that "no crime has been committed".
June 2023: High Court dismisses Assange's appeal
On June 6, 2023, the High Court in London dismissed Julian Assange's appeal. Justice Jonathan Swift ruled that "none of the four grounds of appeal raises any properly arguable point".
July 2023: US Rejects Australian Position
In July 2023, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken rejected the Australian government's position, stating that Assange faced serious charges.
August 2023: Potential Plea Deal Flagged
On August 14, 2023, US ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy flagged a potential plea deal for Assange.
December 2023: Charles Glass visits Assange
In December 2023, writer Charles Glass visited Julian Assange in HM Prison Belmarsh, noting that he was pale. Assange mentioned he had accumulated 232 books during his time there.
February 2024: High Court Hearing on Extradition
In February 2024, a two-day hearing began in the High Court regarding Assange's extradition. Assange was too ill to attend, and his legal team requested leave to appeal the extradition order.
February 2024: Australian Parliament Calls for Assange's Release
On February 14, 2024, the Australian House of Representatives passed a motion calling for Assange's immediate release and return to Australia.
April 2024: President Biden Considers Assange's Return
On April 10, 2024, President Biden said that the US was considering the Australian government's call for Assange's return.
May 2024: UK Court Allows Extradition Appeal
In May 2024, the UK High Court ruled that Assange could bring a full appeal against his extradition, increasing pressure on the DOJ to finalize a plea deal.
June 2024: Plea Bargain Agreed
On June 24, 2024, a plea bargain was agreed to, where Assange would plead guilty to one felony count of violating the Espionage Act in exchange for immediate release.
June 2024: Release from Prison and Flight to Saipan
On June 24, 2024, after being released from HM Prison Belmarsh, Assange immediately flew to Saipan to attend the federal courthouse.
2024: Plea Deal and Return to Australia
In 2024, Julian Assange negotiated a plea deal with US prosecutors, pleading guilty to an Espionage Act charge in exchange for a sentence of time served, which allowed him to return to Australia.
