WikiLeaks to Release New Documents Ahead of US Presidential Election

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, stated on Tuesday, October 5, that the website will release approximately one million documents regarding the US elections and three major institutions in the country in the coming weeks. He denied claims that the purpose of releasing these documents is to undermine Hillary Clinton. According to Reuters, Assange, who spoke via video link, added that these documents will be published before the end of the year, with the first batch expected in the coming weeks. He emphasized that the documents related to the elections are 'very important' and will be released before the voting on November 8. Assange has been residing in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted on charges of sexual assault. He criticized Hillary Clinton for her comments in response to the release of documents by WikiLeaks ahead of the Democratic National Convention. Assange stated that Clinton's campaign falsely claimed that accessing information from the WikiLeaks website would transfer viruses and malware to users' computers. He also refuted claims that the purpose of releasing the election-related documents is to weaken Clinton, asserting that his words have been misrepresented. Assange mentioned that the documents WikiLeaks plans to release before the end of the year are crucial and pertain to three significant institutions in three states and the US presidential election process. He added that the subjects of these documents include war, weapons, oil, extensive control of people's communications, Google, and the US presidential election, but he declined to provide further details. Assange stated, 'The content in WikiLeaks or my words have been misquoted, and it has been implied that our goal is to harm Hillary Clinton or that I dislike her. All these claims are false.' In an August interview with Fox News conducted via satellite, Assange had stated that WikiLeaks would publish important documents related to Hillary Clinton's campaign. He also discussed the operational structure of WikiLeaks, stating that the group would soon open its doors for membership and plans to expand its contact and collaboration with media outlets, currently involving around 100 media organizations. He told journalists in Berlin listening to him via video link that even if he is forced to resign, WikiLeaks will continue its activities in the future. He urged supporters of the group to provide financial assistance for its continued operation. Reuters adds that Assange and his lawyer stated that the UK referendum on leaving the European Union may limit their options for appealing to the European Court or the Council of the European Union. He humorously remarked about his four-year stay in the Ecuadorian embassy, saying he has become somewhat pale and could serve as a good subject for medical research given that he has not seen sunlight for four years. Assange is wanted in Sweden on charges of sexual assault dating back to 2010, which he denies, stating that his reluctance to go to Sweden to testify is due to the possibility of being extradited to the US. He faces serious charges in the US related to the disclosures made by WikiLeaks.