The negotiations to resolve the protracted legal battle between Julian Assange and the United States took an unexpected turn when prosecutors proposed that his path to freedom would lead through either Guam or Saipan, American-held islands in the Pacific Ocean. Despite his initial reluctance to set foot in the United States, Assange eventually agreed to a deal that would allow him to plead guilty to a felony in a courtroom in Saipan, 6,000 miles from the U.S. West Coast. This marked the end of a lengthy legal saga that began after Assange's involvement in releasing classified information. The negotiations were driven by a mutual desire to end the stalemate, with the Justice Department eager to resolve the time-consuming case. Pressure from Australian leaders also played a role in pushing for a resolution. Ultimately, a deal was reached, and Assange was set to be released to Australia after spending years in confinement. The agreement was seen as a setback for press freedoms by some, but Assange ultimately accepted the terms in order to secure his release. The final stages of the negotiations involved logistical arrangements for his release and transport to Australia. Despite his insistence on walking out of court a free man, the judge accepted the deal, allowing Assange to prepare for his return to Australia.