LONDON: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has threatened to release over one million sensitive documents next year “affecting every country in the world.”
Assange, 41, holed up at the Ecuadorian embassy here for more than six months to avoid extradition to Sweden to face charges of sexual assault, addressed his supporters from the balcony of the South American country’s mission.
“Next year will be equally busy. WikiLeaks has already over one million documents being prepared to be released, documents that affect every country in the world — every country in this world,” he said last night.
“I came here in summer,” Assange said. “It is winter now.” Assange said he cannot leave as long as authorities continue to investigate him.
Assange said the “door is open” for talks to break the deadlock over his campaign to avoid extradition to Sweden to face charges of sexual assault.
“The door is open, and the door has always been open, for anyone who wishes to use standard procedures to speak to me or guarantee my safe passage,” he said.
The Australian hacker-turned-activist has been granted political asylum in Ecuador but has remained inside the embassy as he will be arrested if he steps outside over breaking his bail conditions.
Assange thanked his supporters, who stood in the street outside, some carrying lighted candles.
He said, “Six months ago I entered this building. It has become my home, my office and my refuge.
Thanks to the principled stance of the Ecuadorian government and the support of its people, I am safe in this embassy and safe to speak from this embassy.”
Assange said WikiLeaks was under a continuing criminal investigation, but 2012 had been a ‘huge year’ for the organisation.
“While my freedom is limited, I am still able to work and communicate, unlike the 232 journalists who are in jail tonight,” he said.
Assange is wanted for questioning in Sweden over allegations of sexual assault, which he denies.
He fears being sent to the United States to be questioned over his whistle-blowing website.
He said that the Pentagon claimed recently that the existence of WikiLeaks was an ‘ongoing crime’.
Assange made special mention of Bradley Manning, the American soldier arrested over the leaking of military information.
WikiLeaks became internationally well known in 2010 when it began to publish secret US military and diplomatic documents. (Agencies)