Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks and one of the world’s most controversial whistle-blowers, married his long-term partner Stella Moris on Wednesday, March 23, in a low-key ceremony at London’s high-security Belmarsh prison. The marriage, celebrated under unusual and challenging circumstances, highlights the enduring strength and commitment of their relationship.
Meeting and Falling in Love
Stella Moris, born as Sara Gonzalez Devant in Johannesburg in 1983, is a South African citizen of Cuban, Spanish, and Swedish descent. Her upbringing was marked by activism and a rich cultural background. Her father, a Swedish architect of Cuban heritage, and her Spanish mother, a theatre director, were part of the Medu Art Ensemble. This collective of cultural activists played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
Moris pursued an impressive academic career, earning a bachelor’s degree in law and politics from SOAS University of London, a master’s degree in refugee law from Oxford, and a master’s degree in public international law from a university in Madrid. Her expertise in international law eventually led her to Julian Assange.
Moris first met Assange in 2011 while he was under house arrest at the home of WikiLeaks supporter Captain Vaughan Smith. As an established lawyer, she joined Assange’s legal team to fight his extradition to Sweden. Their professional relationship soon blossomed into a romantic one, leading to a covert love affair.
A Secretive Relationship
In 2012, to protect herself and her family, Devant officially changed her name to Stella Moris. The couple’s relationship remained a closely guarded secret for several years. They got engaged in 2017 and had two sons, Gabriel and Max, who are British citizens. To ensure their safety, Moris did not reveal the identity of their father to even her closest friends.
Their relationship became public in April 2020 when Moris attempted to secure bail for Assange. In an interview with London’s Evening Standard, Moris described what drew her to Assange, highlighting his intelligence, curiosity, caring nature, and playful sense of humor.
The Wedding Inside Belmarsh
The wedding ceremony at Belmarsh prison was both joyous and somber. Moris wore a floor-length lilac satin gown designed by Vivienne Westwood, a British fashion designer who has been a vocal opponent of Assange’s extradition. Assange wore a kilt, also designed by Westwood. The designer’s message, visible on the inside of Moris’s dress, and the graffiti-style words embroidered on her veil, symbolized their enduring love and the support they received from friends and family.
Despite the festive occasion, the prison authorities imposed strict regulations. Moris was told to leave immediately after the ceremony, and the couple was denied access to a wedding photographer, as photos taken inside the prison were deemed a security risk. Nevertheless, Moris and her sons posed for photos outside the prison with flowers and cards from well-wishers.
The Ongoing Struggle
Julian Assange has been held at Belmarsh prison since 2019 as the United States continues to seek his extradition to face trial on charges related to WikiLeaks’ release of confidential military records and diplomatic cables. If extradited, Assange faces a potential prison sentence of up to 175 years under the Espionage Act.
The fight against his extradition has been a long and arduous one, with many supporters arguing that his actions were in the public interest and that he should not be prosecuted for journalism. Assange’s case has sparked global debates on press freedom, government transparency, and the treatment of whistle-blowers.
Life of Stella Moris
Stella Moris’s journey has been marked by resilience and dedication. From her multicultural upbringing to her pursuit of justice and human rights, she has shown unwavering support for Assange. Her role in his legal battles, her commitment to their family, and her efforts to secure his freedom have been nothing short of extraordinary.
After the wedding, Moris expressed mixed emotions, stating, “I am very happy and very sad. I love Julian with all my heart, and I wish he were here. He’s the most amazing person in the world, and he should be free.” Her words resonate with the many supporters who believe in Assange’s cause and continue to advocate for his release.
A Love that Defies Challenges
The marriage of Julian Assange and Stella Moris is a testament to their love and determination. Despite the numerous obstacles they face, their bond remains strong. As they continue to navigate the complexities of Assange’s legal situation, their story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.
In conclusion, Julian Assange and Stella Moris’s relationship, marked by secrecy, struggle, and unwavering commitment, stands as a poignant example of love’s ability to endure even the most challenging circumstances. Their journey together, from their first meeting to their wedding in a high-security prison, underscores the profound connection they share and the sacrifices they are willing to make for each other.
