Julian Assange Promises a Million New Leaks in 2013
"Despite an unprecedented criminal investigation and campaign to damage and destroy WikiLeaks, 2012 has been a huge year," said Assange. "Next year will be equally busy. WikiLeaks already has well over a million documents to release."
Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks and an Australian native, gave his speech from the balcony of Ecuador's London embassy. He's been holed up there since mid-June to avoid extradition to Sweden, where police want to question him about allegations of sexual misconduct. He has not been charged with any crime by any country.
Assange has said in the past that he fears being sent to the United States, which he believes wants to prosecute him for WikiLeaks' release of classified American diplomatic and military intelligence.
During Thursday's balcony address, he reiterated those fears.
"The U.S. investigation is referred to in testimony under oath in U.S. courts, is admitted by Department of Justice and by the District Attorney of Virginia as a fact," said Assange. "It’s subpoenas are being litigated in the courts. The Pentagon reissued its threats against me in September and claimed the very existence of WikiLeaks is an ongoing crime."
"My work will not be cowed," he continued. "But while this immoral investigation continues, and while the Australian government will not defend the journalism and publishing of WikiLeaks, I must remain here."
He did, however, offer to speak with "anyone who wishes to speak to me."
