WikiLeaks' knives turn on Assange

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been urged to vacate his position as spokesman for the whistleblower site while he deals with a criminal investigation in Sweden, according to reports.

The Daily Beast quoted Wikileaks organiser and Icelandic parliamentarian Birgitta Jonsdottir and another un-named organiser for the site.

Assange should vacate his post as WikiLeaks' spokesperson, Jonsdottir said, telling the publication that Wikileaks should operate under several people who "carry the torch", not just one.

According to the report, Assange had resisted recent attempts within WikiLeaks to push him aside while he dealt with the charges in Sweden.

"I am not angry with Julian, but this is a situation that has clearly gotten out of hand," she said.

"These personal matters should have nothing to do with WikiLeaks. I have strongly urged him to focus on the legalities that he's dealing with and let some other people carry the torch."

Assange has maintained that the allegations he faced in Sweden were absurd, however this week Swedish authorities re-opened an investigation into assault claims made by two women.