Renounce witch-hunt, Assange tells US

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange yesterday made his first public appearance since seeking refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, and issued a defiant call to Washington to “renounce its witch-hunt” against his organisation.

The Australian appeared on the embassy’s balcony — the first time he has been seen for two months — and urged the US government to “reaffirm the revolutionary values it was founded on”.

Assange, who is wanted in Sweden for questioning on sexual assault allegations, thanked Ecuador for taking a “stand for justice” in giving him political asylum.