World
16:28, 13-Apr-2019
How Julian Assange's organization shocked the world
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Some say WikiLeaks has changed journalism. While there's a debate about whether the organization is ethical or not, the materials it releases has shaken up international politics.
Among its most notable moments was when it leaked documents about the war in Afghanistan. It revealed that the U.S. military had killed hundreds of civilians in the country that went unreported.
It also leaked a massive amount of classified military files chronicling the war in Iraq. A high-profile video was released showing an American helicopter killing people in the streets of Baghdad. Some of them were armed, but they did not appear to pose a threat.
A Reuters photographer and his assistant were among those killed in the attack. Before the leak, Reuters had unsuccessfully tried to gain access to the video through a press freedom law.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in a police vehicle arrives at the Westminster magistrates court in London, Britain, April 11, 2019. /Xinhua Photo
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in a police vehicle arrives at the Westminster magistrates court in London, Britain, April 11, 2019. /Xinhua Photo
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WikiLeaks also caused a diplomatic stir when it revealed that the leaders of U.S. allies were tapped... including several French presidents and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Australian-born Julian Assange, 47, founded WikiLeaks in 2006. His supporters see him as a hero who champions free speech. His opponents say he has risked national security by publishing unclassified documents.
Assange was arrested on Thursday at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he was granted refuge in 2012 while on bail in Britain over sexual assault allegations against him in Sweden.
(Cover: Supporters of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange hold placards as they stand outside Ecuador's embassy in London, Britain, April 6, 2019. /Reuters Photo)