WikiLeaks publishes Saudi diplomatic cables
June 19, 2015
WikiLeaks said on Friday it had obtained e-mail communications between Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry and other countries. Documents released by the group included classified reports from a number of Saudi institutions, including the Ministry of Interior and the Kingdom's General Intelligence Services.
Sony Pictures experiences further embarrassment
Additionally, WikiLeaks on Thursday released 276,394 documents from the hack of Sony Pictures.
The new Sony release adds to more than 30,000 documents published by WikiLeaks in April. Both groups of documents can be searched on the WikiLeaks webpage.
WikiLeaks: data belongs to the public
WikiLeaks has said the documents are of public interest, the AFP news agency reported. The organization has justified the leaks by stating that Sony Pictures, as an influential corporation with ties to the White House, is able to impact laws and policies.
The Japanese media and electronics group was the target of a massive cyber attack last November that shut down much of its computer network and allowed hackers to access sensitive information.
The White house had blamed North Korea for the attack. However, Pyongyang denied responsibility.
Assange still in Ecuador's embassy in London
Friday marked the third anniversary of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange seeking refuge in Ecuador's embassy in London. The 43-year-old journalist sought asylum in the embassy in June 2012.
He remains in the embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden over alleged sex crimes, on one charge of rape and one of sexual assault. He has denied the charges.
His extradition could lead to his transfer to the United States to face trial over WikiLeaks' publication of classified US military and diplomatic documents. After insisting that the travel to Sweden to speak with prosecutors, Swedish authorities have said they would interview him in London in June or July.
"He has not seen the sun in three years as the embassy has no outdoor area," WikiLeaks said of Assange. "His rights have been severely abused."
ra/sms (AFP, Reuters)