WikiLeaks said Thursday that founder Julian Assange’s Internet access is still not restored, more than a day after the U.S. election ended.
WikiLeaks staffer Sarah Harrison revealed the news during a Thursday “ask me anything” thread on Internet forum Reddit. Internet access for Assange was cut in October by Ecuador, which has been hosting Assange from its embassy in London under an asylum request.
“The White House, in an effort to silence its most critical publisher during an election period, pressured for our editor Julian Assange’s publications to be stopped … As of the 10th his Internet connection has not been restored. There has been no explanation, which is concerning,” Harrison wrote.
Harrison took several questions from users, including questions about why the group released encrypted files over Twitter last month titled “Ecuador,” John Kerry,” and “UK FCO.” She said these so-called “insurance files” were a result of hostile pressure exerted on the organization.
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“Insurance files are encrypted copies of unpublished documents submitted to us,” Harrison noted. “We do this periodically, and especially at moments of high pressure on us, to ensure the documents can not be lost and history preserved. You will not be able to see the contents of any of our insurance files, until and unless … we are in a position where we must release the key. But you can download them and help spread them to ensure their safe keeping.”
Harrison noted the organization had not released information on Donald Trump during the presidential campaign because it never received any to release. “To date, we have not received information on Donald Trump’s campaign, or other campaigns. If it were to be submitted now we would happily publish it. Information on how campaigns are fought is important in the moment, and after to learn lessons from.”
“We certainly believe in accountability and transparency for the powerful. And this includes for all the campaigns in the election. We can of course only publish what we receive. If anyone has information on any of the other campaigns we urge them to submit it now before it is deleted,” she added.
WikiLeaks released more than 27,000 emails from the Democratic National Committee and just under 60,000 from Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta over the course of the presidential campaign.
