The controversial WikiLeaks founder will write his autobiography.
In an interview by UK's Sunday Times, Julian Assange said that he has signed deals for his memoirs to the tune of over GBP1 million (US$1.5 million or 1.2 million Euros).
The whistle-blower said the proceeds will help him pay off his legal obligations as he defend himself in the sexual allegations of two women in Sweden.
The "Man of the Year" of Le Monde French newspaper said that he does not want to write the book but is compelled to. He has already spent GBP200,000 for paying his lawyers. He also needs the money to defend himself and keep WikiLeaks running.
The Australian journalist would receive US$800,000 (600,000 Euros) from Alfred A. Knopf, an American publisher. Another British deal with Canongate will bring him US$500,000 (GBP325,000 or 380,000 Euros).
Assange released more than a quarter of a million of US government classified materials that angered the White House.
Several major financial institutions such as Paypal, MasterCard and Visa have severed their ties with WikiLeaks thereby stopping the money flow from donations worldwide. The latest to halt WikiLeaks' financial transactions was America's largest bank, the Bank of America.
It was reported that the US government are studying how to convict the 39-year-old Assange.
He was released from jail on 16 December following a London court decision of strict bail, which include daily reporting to the police and wearing an electronic tag.
Assange is currently housed at a country mansion of a friend in eastern England.
A full hearing of his sexual allegations will take place in Sweden from 7 February.
Full details here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101226/en_
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