ASSERTED

To declare with assurance or plainly and strongly; to state positively.

"He would often assert that there was life on other planets."

To use or exercise and thereby prove the existence of.

"Salman Rushdie has asserted his right to be identified as the author of this work."

To maintain or defend, as a cause or a claim, by words or measures; to vindicate a claim or title to

"to assert our rights and liberties"

Stated, declared or alleged, especially with confidence but no proof