Interesting Facts about WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange

Julian Paul Assange. If the name sounds familiar, that's because the guy has been all over the news lately. His notoriety has reached greater heights, following a series of diplomatic cable leaks through whistle blower website, WikiLeaks.

Julian Assange earned the ire of US government officials, which led to an international arrest order released by Interpol. He is wanted for alleged sex crimes, though it's quite obvious the US found a good way to put Assange behind bars and save the country from further embarrassment.

Assange founded WikiLeaks back in 2006. He is responsible for the publication of classified documents involving Kenya on extrajudicial killings. The website also reported the toxic waste dumping on the African coast, the barbaric procedures done to suspected terrorists in Guantanamo Bay, the US intervention on Afghanistan and Iraq wars, as well as the most recent US diplomatic cable leaks.

Last week, Julian Assange was arrested in London on rape charges. The Magistrates Court denied him bail, which prompted WikiLeaks supporters to launch cyber attacks on several major US companies. Assange agreed to surrender at a London Metropolitan Police. He is slated to appear in court again for his extradition to Sweden.

Amidst the worldwide brouhaha on Julian Assange's arrest, the WikiLeaks founder had to keep it together for his family and supporters. He was finally released by a British court after his appeal for bail was initially rejected.

The court has mandated Assange to stay at the mansion of a supporter just outside London. He was also instructed to wear an electronic tag at all times to have his actions strictly monitored by authorities. Assange posted bail amounting to $310,000. He also had to pay $31,000 each for two sureties.

Assange's name is trending everywhere, from news sites to social networks. If truth be told, the guy is gaining popularity for the wrong reasons. For those who are interested to learn a few things about Assange, here are some facts:

1.) Julian Assange was born in Townsville, Queensland in July 1971.

2.) He is an expert in computer programming.

3.) Back in 1995, he was apprehended for hacking under the name, Mendax.

4.) He studied mathematics and physics in Melbourne, Australia.

5.) Assange's parents operated a touring theatre company.

6.) He had a son with his girlfriend who left him after the Australian Federal Police raided his home in 1991. Assange lost custody of his child.

7.) Assange is said to have attended six universities.

8.) He bagged the 2008 Economist Index on Censorship award and 2009 Media award from Amnesty International.

9.) In September 2010, he was listed among the world's 50 most influential people by New Statesman, a British magazine.

10.) The guy is a GENIUS.