The Today show interviewed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Friday after his release from prison on bail Thursday afternoon. During the interview, he described his recent court appearances as "not the beginning of the end, rather it is merely the end of the beginning."

Assange confirmed that he has heard there will be espionage charges filed against him in the U.S., and denied knowing Bradley Manning, the U.S. Army intelligence analyst accused of providing WikiLeaks with information. The U.S. is allegedly putting together a case against Assange on conspiracy charges.

The beleaguered founder also spoke about the rape charges filed against him in Sweden, for which he was recently imprisoned in England. He called the allegations a "very successful smear campaign," but said that the public was beginning to question the story. Assange is currently fighting extradition to Sweden, arguing that he has seen no evidence in the case.

Despite spending over a week "in the basement of a Victorian prison," as Assange put it, the Internet activist remained defiant and seemed confident throughout the interview.

Watch the entire exchange: