JULIAN ASSANGE’S release from prison was hailed as a victory for press freedom around the world today.

The WikiLeaks founder was freed from Belmarsh prison on Monday, where he had been fighting extradition to the United States for five years.

Mr Assange was released after reaching a plea deal with US prosecutors. He is due to plead guilty to an Espionage Act charge of obtaining and disclosing classified US national defence documents.