Julian Assange Quits As The Editor Of Wikileaks: Here’s Why

Julian Assange, the editor of Wikileaks whistleblowing site that publishes leaks and secret information, has stepped down from his position.

After being denied the access to the internet and other forms of communication by the Ecuadorian Embassy in the UK, the founder of Wikileaks has described his decision “due to the extraordinary circumstances.”

Assange will continue as a publisher at Wikileaks and has handed over his responsibilities to Kristinn Hrafnsson, who is an Icelandic journalist and has worked as WikiLeaks’ spokesperson between 2010 and 2016.

Assange has been given refuge at Ecuador’s embassy from where he was carrying forward his task of publishing secret information including stolen emails from Hillary Clinton’s campaign chairman on WikiLeaks.

In March this year, Ecuador government barred him from accessing the internet and other communication channels to prevent him from any further controversy. The lack of internet has forced Assange to step down as the editor of WikiLeaks.

An official statement issued by the website said:

“Due to extraordinary circumstances where Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks has been held incommunicado (except visits by his lawyers) for six months while arbitrarily detained in the Ecuadorian embassy, Mr. Assange has appointed Kristinn Hrafnsson Editor in Chief of WikiLeaks. Mr. Assange will continue to be the publisher of WikiLeaks.”

The newly appointed editor opposed the way Assange has been holed up and said: “I condemn the treatment of Julian Assange that leads to my new role, but I welcome the responsibility to secure the continuation of the important work based on WikiLeaks ideals.”

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