Andre Yoskowitz
5 Jul 2013 20:58
After almost three years of blocking all donations to WikiLeaks via their processing channels, MasterCard has reversed course following a lawsuit that was filed in Iceland.
Since 2010, VISA, MasterCard, PayPal, Bank of America and Western Union have all blocked processing on donations to WikiLeaks after the group released thousands of classified US diplomatic cables.
Reads WikiLeak's press release:
WikiLeaks was notified of MasterCard International's change in position by VALITOR, the Icelandic partner for VISA and MasterCard.
On April 24, 2013 WikiLeaks and DataCell won a lawsuit, which had been running for two years, against VALITOR for breach of contract and blockading WikiLeaks' donations at the behest of VISA and MasterCard. The Icelandic Supreme Court ordered VALITOR to recommence processing donations to WikiLeaks.
VALITOR complied and reopened its payment gateway, but gave formal legal notice that it would terminate its contract and reclose the gateway on July 1, 2013, citing a unilateral termination clause in the contract.
VALITOR has now fully reversed its position and announces it will honor the contract with DataCell and process payments to WikiLeaks.
In a letter from VALITOR´s lawyers, VALITOR relates how it sought the opinions of MasterCard International and VISA on the proposed July 1 cut-off. In its response MasterCard made clear to VALITOR that it no longer desires to blockade WikiLeaks. VISA has not responded.