WikiLeaks' Assange calls for end to 'witch hunt' from embassy balcony
Speaking from a balcony at the Ecuadorian embassy where he has sought asylum, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange yesterday called on governments to stop persecution of political whistle blowers and gave no indication that the stalemate over his extradition from the UK to Sweden, where he faces allegations on sexual offenses, would end soon.
Dressed in a blue button-down shirt and a red tie, Assange looked out over a throng of supporters and police in front of the embassy to deliver about 10 minutes of remarks, first addressed to those on scene and then to political figures including US President Obama.
"I am here today because I cannot be there with you today, but thank you for your resolve, for your generosity of spirit," Assange said. "On Wednesday night after a threat was made on this embassy and police descended on this embassy, you came out to watch over it."
