Julian Assange spent years in some form of isolation. Just how damaging can that be for your mental and physical health?

My own ordeal in Egypt, where I was imprisoned on terrorism charges, was nothing compared to Assange’s. But I understand the weird blend of elation, confusion and disorientation sudden release brings.

The ordeal should prompt deep reflection on the values that underpin Australia’s relationship with its most important security ally, the US.

Julian Assange has entered a plea deal with US government and is expected to be freed following a hearing in the US Federal Court in Saipan, in the Northern Mariana Islands. Assange’s convoluted legal…