The internet is blowing up today after WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has been living in the Ecuadorian embassy in the UK under asylum arrangement, was arrested by the British Metropolitan Police.

This happened after Assange was stripped of his asylum-seeker status by the Ecuadorian government. Prior to his arrest today, Julian Assange lived in the embassy for 7 years.

Violated Terms

According to the Ecuadorian government, Assange’s protection was withheld because he violated the terms of his asylum status and broke international laws while in the embassy. However, these claims are yet to be confirmed as no evidence has been presented yet.

Bitcoin Donations To WikiLeaks

The news of Assange’s arrest spread like bush fire, with the crypto community rising up to support him through this difficult time. Within a few hours of his arrest, a total of 2.61BTC ($13,200) had already been donated to WikiLeaks, with about 20 crypto transactions recorded.

Donations can be made in either Bitcoin, Zcash, or even fiat. One main reason the crypto community supports Julian Assange is his bold efforts to oppose excessive government control and expose the ills of the governing authorities.

In that case, it’s easy to understand why the crypto industry, it being a decentralized system that isn’t under control of anyone, would be inclined to support such a person.

UN Supports Assange

Besides the widespread support he has garnered over the years, Julian Assange has also won the heart of the United Nations.

Back in December, the UN called for Assange’s unconditional freedom and likened his asylum status, which he was forced to seek when the authorities came after him for exposing their secrets, as arbitrary detention.

Assange And The Crypto Industry

Granted, Julian Assange has had his moments with the crypto industry. For one, he has been very supportive of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general.

However, some crypto industry players haven’t been exactly nice to him and WikiLeaks. Back in April 2018, the US-based crypto exchange Coinbase suspended accounts owned by WikiLeaks.