Key Points
- WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange faced court in the US territory of Saipan.
- Assange pleaded guilty to violating US espionage law.
- Saipan is a tiny island in the western Pacific Ocean.
Assange arrived on the remote island on Tuesday afternoon.
Saipan, the largest and most developed island of the Northern Mariana Islands, is known for its beaches and scuba diving. Credit: Supplied/Tourism USA
Why is Assange’s court hearing in Saipan?
According to the Associated Press, the hearing took place there because of Assange’s opposition to travelling to the continental US, and the court’s proximity to Australia.
Where is Saipan?
It’s a small island — just 19km long and 9km wide — and is considered the international gateway and the commercial hub for the Islands.
Saipan is the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands.
It is located about 190km north of Guam and is better known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs and tourist attractions.
It was formerly administered as a Spanish, German and Japanese colony.
When is Julian Assange’s court hearing?
The Saipan Tribune reports Assange will appear before chief judge Ramona Villagomez Manglona for a change of plea hearing on Wednesday.