WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange speaks on the balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in his first public appearance for two months.

Speaking on the balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in Knightsbridge, London, he praised the “courage” shown by the country’s president Rafael Correa for granting him asylum.

Mr Assange said Ecuador had taken a “stand for justice”, adding: “I ask President Obama to do the right thing, the United States must renounce its witch-hunt against WikiLeaks.”

The 41-year-old has been holed up at the embassy since June 19 to avoid extradition to Sweden where he is wanted for questioning over alleged sexual misconduct – claims he denies.

But he is fearful he may be sent to the US in connection with leaked diplomatic cables that were revealed on his WikiLeaks website.

The Foreign Office has refused to allow Mr Assange safe passage out of the UK and he will be arrested if he sets foot outside the embassy.

Mr Assange, who was granted asylum by Ecuador in the last few days, said: “I thank President Correa for the courage he has shown in considering and in granting me political asylum.”

Mr Assange also called on the US to release Bradley Manning, the American soldier who has been charged with aiding the enemy by passing the secret files to WikiLeaks and is awaiting trial.

Manning has been charged with transferring classified data and delivering national defence information to an unauthorised source and faces up to 52 years in jail.

The Australian thanked other helpful South American nations and supporters around the world, plus his family including his children “who have been denied their father”. He said: “Forgive me, we will be reunited soon.”

Mr Assange also claimed a “threat” was sent to the Ecuadorian embassy on Wednesday night.

“On Wednesday night, after a threat was sent to this embassy, the police descended on this building. You came out in the middle of the night to watch over it, and you brought the world’s eyes with you.

“Inside this embassy in the dark, I could hear teams of police swarming up inside the building through its internal fire escape.

“But I knew there would be witnesses, and that is because of you.”

He ended his 10-minute speech with two thumbs up to the world’s media.

Earlier, Mr Assange’s legal adviser Baltasar Garzon said his client had instructed his lawyers “to carry out a legal action” to protect his rights.

He told reporters outside the embassy: “Julian Assange has always fought for truth and justice and has defended human rights and continues to do so.

“He demands that WikiLeaks and his own rights be respected. Julian Assange has instructed his lawyers to carry out a legal action in order to protect the rights of WikiLeaks, Julian himself and all those currently being investigated.”

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