There's certainly good reason to celebrate the news of Julian Assange's release.

However, it's important to not lose sight of just what has taken place over the years. As Patrick Eddington notes, "The US government’s successful multi-year pursuit of Assange was meant to send a message to any others considering exposing federal government wrongdoing in the national security arena: we will make the story about you, not our crimes, and we will get you, one way or another."

So while the news was indeed welcome, there is still much to be done.