GETTY Julian Assange posted a bizarre code to Twitter

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The prominent hacktivist posted a tweet featuring a 60 character code and a YouTube link to a popular rap songn in the early hours of Monday morning. And the bizarre New Year’s offering - apparently lacking in any context - triggered a torrent of concern on social media as fans worried about his wellbeing. Some were concerned that Assange had died and the code was a “dead man’s switch” which would release the organisation’s “insurance” files. Others said it was an encryption key indicating that WikiLeaks was about to release its latest leaked files.

Twitter is Mr Assange’s most public means of communication with the world outside London's Ecuadorian embassy – where he has been holed up for five years over fears he will be arrested the moment he sets foot out the door. But the controversial figure’s account, @JulianAssange, mysteriously disappeared between 12-1am on Christmas morning. Mr Assange’s last tweet was on the 22nd December, leaving no hint as to why the account may have been removed. His last post was a notable quote from the man himself, which read: “A knowledgeable public, is an empowered public, is a free public."

GETTY The Wikileaks founder has made enemies of several world governments

GETTY Julian Assange has been holed up at London's Ecuadorian embassy

People trying to access Assange’s Twitter account were directed to an 'error message' page before it reappeared later in the day. Bizarrely, the US Navy also tweeted “Julian Assange” from its official profile on Christmas Day to complete the series of oddities. Twitter users were quick to question whether the account had been deleted or removed. One wrote: “It appears Julian Assange's wasn't suspended by twitter but was hacked and deleted.

Things you may not know about Julian Assange Tue, March 7, 2017 WikiLeaks Founder, Julian Assange has led a very interesting and controversial life which has been at the centre of global debate Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 10 It is believed that Julian Assange chooses to live in Sweden because the country's media laws are among the world's most protective for journalists