WikiLeaks’ Assange to Make First Public Appearance Since Release in Strasbourg

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange waves as he arrives in Canberra, Australia, June 26, 2024. (Reuters)
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange waves as he arrives in Canberra, Australia, June 26, 2024. (Reuters)
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WikiLeaks’ Assange to Make First Public Appearance Since Release in Strasbourg

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange waves as he arrives in Canberra, Australia, June 26, 2024. (Reuters)
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange waves as he arrives in Canberra, Australia, June 26, 2024. (Reuters)

WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange is set to make his first public appearance since being freed from a British jail when he gives evidence to the Council of Europe next month, his organization said on Wednesday.

Assange, 53, returned to Australia in June after a deal was struck for his release which saw him plead guilty to violating US espionage law, ending a 14-year British legal odyssey.

His wife Stella, who he married while in a top security London jail, said he would need some time to regain his health and sanity after his long incarceration, as well as to be with their two children who he had never seen outside of a prison.

He will now speak in public for the first time when he gives evidence to the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg on Oct 1.

It comes after a PACE report into his case which concluded he was a political prisoner and called for Britain to hold an inquiry into whether he had been exposed to inhuman treatment.

"It will be an exceptional break from his recovery as (the Council of Europe) invited Julian to provide testimony for the ... Committee’s report into his case and its wider implications," Stella Assange said on X.



Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid University Ranks 11th in Arab World in QS Arab Rankings for 2025

Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid University Ranks 11th in Arab World in QS Arab Rankings for 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid University Ranks 11th in Arab World in QS Arab Rankings for 2025

Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid University Ranks 11th in Arab World in QS Arab Rankings for 2025

Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid University secured a prestigious position in the QS Arab Region University Rankings 2025, placing 11th among 246 universities from across the Arab world and 4th among 34 Saudi universities.

The achievement underscores the university's dedication to excellence in higher education, research, and international collaboration.

King Khalid University Acting President Dr. Saad bin Mohammed bin Dajam expressed pride in the university's progress, emphasizing its role in contributing to the sustainable development of the Aseer region.

The achievements are due to the university's 2030 strategy, which is closely tied to the Aseer Region Development Strategy and the broader goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, he stressed, according to the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

The university, he said, focuses on advancing its academic and research sectors to serve the community and build strong international partnerships.

Vice-Rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Dr. Hamed bin Majdou Al-Qarni highlighted the significant strides the university made in scientific research, and global cooperation, reaffirming the university's commitment to improving its international standing by fostering innovative research, expanding its network of international collaborations, and offering high-quality academic programs.