FED:Protesters demand release of Assange

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2010
FED:Protesters demand release of Assange

About 200 people have gathered in Canberra's city centre to demand the release of WikiLeaks'
founder JULIAN ASSANGE.

The speaker of the ACT Legislative Assembly .. Greens' MLA SHANE RATTENBURY .. has
told protesters Mr ASSANGE and WikiLeaks have severely embarrassed governments around
the world .. but this isn't a good reason to undermine fundamental rights.

He says rights like the presumption of innocence and the rule of law must prevail for
all citizens all of the time .. not just when it suits our governments.

Mr RATTENBURY's called on the federal government to guarantee Mr ASSANGE's passport
and that he'll be free from persecution .. if he returns to Australia.

Australian historian HUMPHREY McQUEEN's told the rally .. freedom of speech isn't an
assumption but a right which has been fought for.

AAP RTV ms/ajw/

KEYWORD: WIKILEAKS PROTEST (CANBERRA)

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