Julian Assange’s Loved Ones Seek Bitcoin Donations for Legal Support
Julian Assange, the former head of Wikileaks, has recently had his plea deal accepted, resulting in his sentence being reduced to time already served. Despite this positive development, Julian still faces financial challenges as he plans to travel to Saipan and then return to Australia. His fiance, Stella Assange, disclosed that this journey to freedom comes with a hefty price tag of $520,000 USD, prompting his family to urgently seek financial assistance to cover travel expenses and aid in his recovery post-detainment.
The fundraising efforts for Julian Assange have taken an innovative turn towards utilizing cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin. A BTCPay Point of Sale (POS) system has been set up to facilitate contributions to the Assange campaign. This platform allows for the generation of on-chain and Lightning Network invoices, offering donors a seamless way to support Julian’s cause. Embracing BTCPay reflects a growing trend in leveraging Bitcoin’s decentralized and censorship-resistant nature for donations and financial transactions, showcasing its potential beyond traditional banking systems.
The association between Julian Assange and Bitcoin traces back to his involvement with Wikileaks, where he explored accepting Bitcoin donations after encountering issues with traditional payment channels like PayPal. Assange’s interest in Bitcoin is evident from various interactions and discussions he has had regarding the cryptocurrency, highlighting its significance in his work and advocacy. Notably, Julian Assange achieved a remarkable 50,000% return on Bitcoin in 2017, underscoring the potential and value of this digital asset.
Furthermore, the Assange family has employed creative methods such as embedding Wikileaks war logs into the Bitcoin blockchain to preserve their legacy and engagement with the cryptocurrency. As Julian embarks on this new chapter post-detainment, the legacy of his connection with Bitcoin continues to resonate. Supporters now have the opportunity to contribute to Julian and his family through the BTCPay instance, enabling donations in both on-chain Bitcoin and Lightning Network formats.
The utilization of cryptocurrency for fundraising purposes underscores the evolving landscape of financial support mechanisms and the increasing integration of digital assets like Bitcoin into humanitarian causes. By embracing innovative platforms like BTCPay, individuals can actively participate in supporting individuals like Julian Assange in their journey towards freedom and recovery.
