Julian Assange spent decades in isolation - what does that do to the body and mind?

Julian Assange spent years in some form of isolation. Just how damaging can that be for your mental and physical health? Anyone who lived through the Covid pandemic would likely understand that even a small period of isolation can cause physical and mental stress. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange – who has returned to Australia after reaching a plea deal with the US Department of Justice – is reported to have suffered various mental and physical challenges during his almost 15 years in some form of isolation.

Assange, now aged 52, was first arrested in Britain in 2010 after Swedish authorities said they wanted to question him over sex crime allegations..