Julian Assange made his first public appearance since his release from prison, addressing European lawmakers in Strasbourg.

He stated that the U.S. forced him to “plead guilty to journalism” to secure his freedom after 14 years of detention, emphasizing that his case sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom.

Assange explained that he chose “freedom over unrealizable justice” in accepting a plea deal that led to his release from Belmarsh prison in June.

He was sentenced to 62 weeks in prison for conspiring to obtain and disclose classified U.S. documents, concluding a decade-long U.S. prosecution effort.

Assange, who is now living in Australia with his family, expressed the profound impact of his isolation on his sense of self, ABC News has reported.

He and his supporters continue to warn that his conviction under the Espionage Act could have far-reaching consequences for journalists, and they are advocating for a U.S. presidential pardon.

WikiLeaks’ editor-in-chief, Kristinn Hrafnsson, highlighted the need to address the precedent set by Assange’s case to protect media freedom.

Written by B.C. Begley