Julian Assange to Break Silence at Council of Europe Hearing

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will address the Council of Europe, marking his first public statement since being released from prison. Assange, held for publishing U.S. military secrets, will testify on his detention's impact on human rights. His appearance follows a report labeling him a political prisoner.

Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, is set to make his first public statement since his release from prison. He will address the Council of Europe on Tuesday, providing evidence to the legal affairs and human rights committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France.

The assembly, composed of parliamentarians from 46 European countries, will discuss Assange's detention and conviction, focusing on its impact on human rights. The hearing takes place ahead of a debate on the topic scheduled for Wednesday. WikiLeaks announced that Assange will attend in person due to the exceptional nature of the invitation.

Assange's release in June followed a drawn-out legal battle that saw him serve five years in a British prison for obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets. His activities exposed military wrongdoing but also brought accusations of endangering national security. Assange's appearance is highly anticipated as the Assembly evaluates a report labeling him a political prisoner and expressing deep concern over his treatment.

(With inputs from agencies.)