WikiLeaks fundraising stunt draws Anonymous ire

LONDON — A fundraising campaign by secret-busting website WikiLeaks has drawn the ire of the Anonymous movement, sparking an online spat which suggests a rift between WikiLeaks chief Julian Assange and some of his most vigorous supporters.

Recently parts of WikiLeaks’ website have disappeared behind a banner asking that users either make a donation or publicize the fundraising campaign on their Facebook or Twitter pages.

The tactic is reminiscent of the paywalls of some online newspapers, but it has angered those who argue that charging for content sits uneasily with WikiLeaks’ devotion to transparency.

Several high-profile Twitter accounts linked to the Anonymous group vented their anger at Assange on Friday.

WikiLeaks did not immediately return an email seeking comment.