Julian Assange pleads guilty in exchange for his freedom, end to years-long legal battle

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one felony count under the Espionage Act for his role in publishing classified military information after striking a plea deal with Justice Department officials to secure his freedom and finally bring an end to the years-long legal saga.

The plea deal, which the DOJ disclosed Monday night, requires Assange to admit guilt without requiring more prison time. Part of the plea deal includes a sentence of five years that Assange already served in British prison...