Ecuador Restricts Internet Access of Julian Assange

Ecuadorian officials cut internet access to Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks and notorious international whistle blower, in the nation’s London embassy on October 18. The restrictions follow WikiLeaks’ release of private emails between Hillary Clinton and her presidential campaign chairman, John Podesta.

The release of the previously private emails occurred during a recent bout of Ecuadorian frustration with Assange’s presence and growing suspicion of cooperation between Assange and the Kremlin in the manipulation of American voters. Exacerbating this tension, on October 17, WikiLeaks released a set of speeches given by Secretary Clinton to Goldman Sachs among other emails between her and Podesta.

U.S. officials claim Russian intelligence agencies are responsible for the email theft. In a report made to NBC, U.S. intelligence officials announced that they had suggested that Ecuador restrict Assange’s internet access and prevent him from continuing “to carry water” for Russian intelligence officials. In response, the State Department denies WikiLeaks’ claims that Secretary Kerry quietly urged Ecuador to prohibit Assange’s release of emails interfering in the U.S. presidential election.

Ecuadorian representatives stated that the country would not exile Assange but that it wished not to “interfere in electoral processes” within the United States. Though the embassy has imposed momentary restriction on Assange’s internet access, it claims this measure “does not prevent the WikiLeaks organization from carrying out its journalistic activities.”

The fiasco comes at a time of political and diplomatic uncertainty for Ecuador. The country’s current anti-American, leftist leadership faces waning support due to falling oil prices and an agreeable administration in the U.S.. During the Bush era, Hugo Chavez and his contemporaries spurred leftist growth across Latin America. Now, however, the same region is experiencing strained economies and increased support for warmer relations with the United States.

In the past year, Ecuador has sent multiple trade delegations to the United States and received American diplomats with greater warmth than in the past. President Correa has expressed mixed feelings regarding the US election, but his government has affirmed its dedication to “non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states.” Assange, however, may prove to be an inconvenience to the effort to make good with the United States.