Julian Assange is free.

The WikiLeaks founder reached a plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department and the federal judge on Saipan sentencing him to time served in the United Kingdom.

His attorneys spoke outside the courthouse.

“We firmly believe Mr. Assange never should have been charged under the Espionage Act and engaged in an exercise that journalists engage in every day…it is appropriate though for this fight to end and it is appropriate for the judge as she did today to determine that no additional incarceration or Mr. Assange would be fair, would be appropriate, and it is time for him to be reunited with his family,” said Barry Pollack.

Assange did not make any comments after the hearing.

Assange was indicted during former President Donald Trump's administration over WikiLeaks' mass release of secret U.S. documents, which were leaked by Chelsea Manning, a former U.S. military intelligence analyst who was also prosecuted under the Espionage Act.

After his sentencing on Wednesday, he made his way back to Australia, his country of citizenship. Saipan was selected because Assange did not want to travel to the continental U.S. and its close proximity to Australia.

In a packed courtroom of journalists and NMI residents, Assange said “I believe the first amendment and the Espionage Act are in contradiction with each other but I accept that it would be difficult to win such a case given all these circumstances.”

At the end of the proceeding, Chief Judge Rsmona Manglona told Assange he would be able to walk out of the courtroom a free man.

KUAM asked his attorney what the future of Assange’s WikiLeaks will be.

“The work will continue and Mr. Assange I have no doubt that he will be a continuing force..for transparency in government and he is a powerful force…and a voice that…should not be silenced,” said Pollack.

The DOJ said, “Pursuant to the plea agreement, Assange is prohibited from returning to the United States without permission.”

The Department of Justice website