In his first public remarks since being released from prison, Julian Assange addressed European lawmakers and emphasized that he chose freedom over what he described as 'unrealizable justice.' He stated, 'I pleaded guilty to journalism' in order to secure his release from incarceration. Assange's comments highlight his ongoing belief that journalism should not be criminalized, stressing that his situation could happen to others in the future. He also expressed the toll that his isolation had taken on him. The former WikiLeaks founder is returning to public life following many years of legal battles and imprisonment.