Julian Assange and wife Stella announce third child on the way

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his wife, Stella Assange, have announced they are expecting their third child. Stella Assange shared the news on Monday, stating, 'HAPPY NEWS! This new life would not have been possible without all those who fought to bring [Julian Assange] home.' The social media post included a photo of the couple, who are already parents to Gabriel and Max.

Julian Assange, 55, shared his wife's post with the caption, 'October surprise. This new life is thanks to everyone who fought for my freedom.' The couple has maintained a low public profile since Assange walked free from prison in June 2024 after reaching a plea deal with American prosecutors.

Assange pleaded guilty to one count of breaching the Espionage Act and was allowed to return to his native Australia. The plea deal paved the way for his return after 14 years as a wanted suspect.

He had been sought by authorities since 2010, when WikiLeaks published thousands of classified U.S. military documents. He also faced unrelated rape charges in Sweden. Assange sought refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London in June 2012, remaining there for seven years until he was removed and subsequently imprisoned in April 2019.

It was during his time at the embassy that Julian and Stella Assange secretly conceived their two children, Gabriel and Max. In 2024, Judge Ramona V. Manglona accepted Assange's guilty plea. After discussions with his legal team, she ordered his release without probation or supervised release, allowing him to walk free after a hearing in a U.S. federal court on the Pacific island of Saipan. He is, however, prohibited from entering the U.S. without permission.

Assange returned to social media on September 17, posting a photo with the caption, 'I'm back.'