Wikileaks founder Assange in dispute with Edinburgh publisher over memoirs
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has become entangled in a contractual dispute with an Edinburgh book publisher over his memoirs.
According to BBC News, publisher Canongate will release the book today, despite claims by Assange that it is a work in progress.
Apparently the book was ghostwritten with Assange’s permission, until he later attempted to cancel his contract, despite being paid a six-figure advance, which Canongate says he has failed to repy.
Assange is quoted as saying in a statement: "The events surrounding its unauthorised publication by Canongate are not about freedom of information.
"They are about old-fashioned opportunism and duplicity - screwing people over to make a buck."
He alleged Canongate had acted in breach of contract and personal assurances that the draft would not be released without his permission.
The independent publishing firm paid 40-year-old Assange for the rights to the memoir last year.
In a statement, Canongate said: "On 7 June 2011, with 38 publishing houses around the world committed to releasing the book, Julian told us he wanted to cancel his contract.
"However, he had already signed his advance over to his lawyers to settle his legal bills.
"We have decided to honour that contract and to publish. Once the advance has been earned out, we will continue to honour the contract and pay Julian royalties."