- Andrew Tate, linked to the donation by social media clues, has yet to confirm his involvement cryptographically.
- Crypto researcher Iwan Rabbinstein suggests Jack Dorsey as the donor, based on analysis of social media and transaction times.
An anonymous donation of 8 BTC, worth approximately $500,000, was made to aid Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, covering his travel expenses for a chartered flight. Assange, barred from commercial airline travel, incurred a hefty bill of $520,000 for the journey, coordinated by the Australian government, leaving him indebted.
URGENT: Emergency appeal for donations to cover massive USD 520,000 debt for jet.
Julian’s travel to freedom comes at a massive cost: Julian will owe USD 520,000 which he is obligated to pay back to the Australian government for charter Flight VJ199. He was not permitted to fly… pic.twitter.com/J6sTbXij53
— Stella Assange #FreeAssangeNOW (@Stella_Assange) June 25, 2024
Speculation about the donor’s identity is rampant among cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer turned controversial social media figure, surfaced as a possible benefactor. His response to a social media post regarding the donation—a simple gift box emoji—has led some to conjecture his involvement.
Assange being free adds a burst of colour to the grey hellscape of injustice currently plaguing the world.
A stroke of bright blue sky.
Maybe, everything will turn around.
— Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) June 25, 2024
Tate has publicly celebrated Assange’s release, portraying it as a vivid highlight against global injustices. Yet, doubts remain, with calls for Tate to confirm his donation by providing cryptographic proof from the transaction.
Adding complexity to the donor mystery, crypto researcher Iwan Rabbinstein suggests another prominent figure might be involved—Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, Inc. Rabbinstein’s theory stems from a meticulous analysis of Dorsey’s social media activity and the timing of blockchain transactions.
🤔 https://t.co/5JXecUqlIJ pic.twitter.com/k05NVxJvrV
— RABBINSTEIN 🌮 ⚡️ 🔑 (@IwanRabbinstein) June 26, 2024
He points out that Dorsey’s post on X and a corresponding message on the decentralized social network NOSTR align closely with the timing of the Bitcoin transaction, making him a credible candidate for this act of generosity.
As we have already written on ETHNews, Dorsey’s track record of supporting human rights and political causes through technology lends credence to this theory. His engagement in various social issues and advocacy for digital privacy and freedom make him a plausible source of the donation.
This substantial contribution underscores the deep connection between Assange and the Bitcoin community, which dates back to 2011 when WikiLeaks began accepting Bitcoin amidst financial blockades from traditional banks.
Bitcoin’s alignment with principles of freedom and resistance against censorship resonates strongly within the community, reinforcing the support for Assange.
Assange himself has been a vocal supporter of Bitcoin, heralding it as a revolutionary technology with far-reaching implications beyond mere financial transactions. His endorsement of the cryptocurrency as a tool for political and social empowerment echoes through the community, reflected in the continued financial backing from its members.
The debate over the donor’s identity highlights the broader narrative of Bitcoin as not just a currency, but a beacon for those advocating for transparency and justice.
The ongoing support for Assange from the Bitcoin community not only showcases the cryptocurrency’s potential as a means of political expression but also its role in fostering a solidarity against conventional restrictions and surveillance.
