London, UK

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was released from a British prison. He is expected to plead guilty to violating US espionage law on Wednesday (Jun 26) and is set to face a final court hearing. WikiLeaks said in a statement that Assange was freed on bail from prison in London and had boarded a flight to fly out of the nation on Monday (Jun 25).

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Local reports mentioned that a private jet had departed London's Stansted airport, however, it wasn't confirmed whether or not the same plane was carrying Assange. 

Also read: Julian Assange released: Timeline of WikiLeaks founder's road to freedom 

The 52-year-old was travelling to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, which is a US territory reportedly in the Pacific. 

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WikiLeaks was founded in 2006 and gained attention in 2010 after publishing a series of leaks provided by American activist Chelsea Manning, including the infamous "Collateral Murder" video, Afghan War Diary, Iraq War Logs and US diplomatic cables. 

The latest court documents have revealed that Assange will plead guilty there in the Pacific island to a single count of conspiracy to obtain and disseminate national defence information. 

Also read: Who is Julian Assange, a 'cyberpunk' or reckless publisher of classified information? 

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The Australian journalist had been held for five years in London prison while he fought extradition to the US, which sought to prosecute him for revealing military secrets. 

Now, he is due to be sentenced to 62 months of time already served at a hearing in Saipan at 9:00 am (local time) on Wednesday (2300 GMT Tuesday). 

Why was this Pacific island chosen for Assange? 

The prosecutors said that the island in the Pacific, known for its sandy beaches and Second World War wrecks, was chosen due to Assange's opposition to travelling to the mainland US, and for its proximity to Australia. 

He wanted to go to a court close to his home of Australia but not on the continental United States, the prosecutors said. 

Saipan is a US commonwealth in the western Pacific which begins roughly 70 km (44 miles) north of Guam and stretches across 14 islands. 

Watch: All about the deal signed between Assange and US Justice Department 

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In the region, territories such as Guam or Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands are part of the US, however, they don't have the full status of a state. 

The roughly 51,000 residents are US citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections. Notably, some also house US district courts — Saipan, for example. 

Assange's halt in Bangkok 

Assange landed at a Bangkok airport on Tuesday afternoon for refuelling. The news agency AFP said that its journalists saw Assange's slight touchdown at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport at around 12:30 pm (0530 GMT). 

A senior Thai official told AFP that Assange's name was on the passenger list.

"(The plane) is expected to refuel and resupply with water before departing at 9:00 pm for Saipan island," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. 

Australia PM on Assange 

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he wanted Assange brought back home to Australia as soon as possible. 

"Regardless of the views that people have about Mr Assange (and) his activities, the case has dragged on for too long," Albanese said in the country's parliament.

"There is nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration and we want him brought home to Australia."

(With inputs from agencies)