Amazon cuts off WikiLeaks

Wed, 01 Dec 2010

Washington (Earth Times - dpa) - WikiLeaks said Wednesday that it has been cut off from server space rented through the online retailer Amazon.com following the leaking of more than 250,000 secret US diplomatic cables.

"WikiLeaks servers at Amazon ousted. Free speech the land of the free--fine our (dollars) are now spent to employ people in Europe," the self-described whistleblower website said on its twitter feed.

US Senator Joe Lieberman, the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee, said Amazon cut off WikiLeaks after inquiries from his aides, CNN reported.

"WikiLeaks' illegal, outrageous, and reckless acts have compromised our national security and put lives at risk around the world," he said. "No responsible company - whether American or foreign - should assist WikiLeaks in its efforts to disseminate these stolen materials."

Lieberman called on other companies to also deny WikiLeaks access to servers. Amazon.com, which sells books, music and a host of other goods, did not comment, according to CNN.

WikiLeaks said that if "Amazon are so uncomfortable with the first amendment, they should get out of the business of selling books," the twitter post said, referred to the clause in the US Constitution that protects freedom of speech.