WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange Got $500,000 Bitcoin Donation

In a notable financial boost, WikiLeaks cofounder Julian Assange has received a major donation from an anonymous Bitcoin investor. The benefactor transferred eight Bitcoins, valued at approximately $500,000, to an address managed by Assange's representatives, signaling substantial support for the controversial figure.

Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange Received BTC Donations

Julian Assange has concluded his 14-year legal battle with a plea agreement during his recent court appearance in Saipan. The WikiLeaks cofounder, 52, entered a guilty plea to an espionage charge, leading to his release by a U.S. court. Shortly after, his plane landed in Canberra, Australia. Judge Manglona, who presided over the case, declared Assange free to leave, stating, "It seems that he will be able to leave the courtroom a free man with this pronouncement."

Julian Assange took a private flight from the U.K. to Saipan, shouldering the cost himself after reaching a plea agreement. Fortunately, he swiftly amassed over £300,000 in fiat donations and $500,000 in Bitcoin from an anonymous donor, easing the financial burden.

In court, Julian Assange argued that the charges against him under the Espionage Act violated his First Amendment rights. However, he acknowledged that pressuring sources to disclose classified information for publication could be illegal. As part of his plea agreement, Assange is required to delete the material he provided to WikiLeaks.

How has Bitcoin Price Moved Recently?

Following Julian Assange receiving significant Bitcoin donations and reaching a plea agreement, the cryptocurrency market, particularly Bitcoin (BTC), could witness varying reactions. Initially, the news of such substantial donations from an anonymous whale may generate positive sentiment among Bitcoin investors and supporters. This influx of large-scale donations could be interpreted as a vote of confidence in Bitcoin's role as a financial tool for supporting causes and individuals in need. As a result, there might be a short-term bullish sentiment, with potential buying interest driving BTC prices upward.

Yet, as of today, Bitcoin is priced at $60,744, experiencing a 24-hour trading volume of $129.86 billion. Its market capitalization stands at $1.20 trillion, with a market dominance of 52.84%. Over the past 24 hours, BTC has seen a decline of -1.23%.

Bitcoin achieved its peak price on March 14, 2024, reaching an all-time high of $73,628. Its lowest recorded price dates back to July 17, 2010, when it traded at an all-time low of $0.05. Since its last all-time high, Bitcoin's lowest price dropped to $56,721 (cycle low), while its highest reached $71,968 (cycle high). Presently, sentiment towards Bitcoin price prediction trends bearish, as indicated by a Fear & Greed Index reading of 40 (Fear).

The current circulating supply of Bitcoin stands at 19.70 million BTC out of a maximum supply of 21.00 million BTC. With a yearly supply inflation rate of 1.53%, approximately 297,064 BTC were newly created in the last year.