By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 5:00 PM on 3rd December 2010
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The founder of WikiLeaks today revealed he has sent out 100,000 encrypted copies of secret diplomatic cables so they will definitely be released whatever happens to him.
Julian Assange, breaking his silence in an online question and answer session, acknowledged there had been death threats against him and his colleagues because of the damaging leaks.
He told for the first time of the insurance policy he had put in place to ensure that his whistleblowing website will not be silenced, whatever drastic steps may be taken by his enemies.
Mr Assange also hailed the young American soldier suspected of leaking the classified U.S. cables as an 'unparalleled hero'.
The session came as he was still in hiding in Britain. The Australian is wanted in Sweden for questioning over sexual assault allegations but Scotland Yard has yet to arrest him.
'Hero': WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (left) praised U.S. Army intelligence analyst Bradley Manning right)
'The threats against our lives are a matter of public record. However, we are taking the appropriate precautions to the degree that we are able when dealing with a superpower,' he said.
All the leaked American diplomatic cables as well as 'significant material from the U.S. and other countries' has been copied to more than 100,000 people in encrypted form, he added.
'If something happens to us, the key parts will be released automatically,' he wrote.
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