Demonstrators gathered in front of The Guardian offices in London to protest the coverage of the case of Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange.  (Photo: Press TV)

Brasilia, May 11 (RHC)-- A statement by Brazilian organizations in the journalism community has been released denouncing Julian Assange's case. 

The manifesto, which was also signed by the International Peoples' Assembly, says that Julian Assange is being detained for the crime of uncovering "secrets of the war machines of the great powers, in particular, the U.S. empire and its close allies."  The statement adds that his detention and possible extradition is a "step towards creating a state of exception on a global scale."

The WikiLeaks founder could face more than a century in prison in the event of his extradition to the United States.  Westminster Magistrates' Court cleared the extradition of the journalist on April 20th, leaving his defense a deadline of May 18th to appeal.  If the case goes ahead, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel will make the extradition decision.

The Brazilian statement says:  "Assange is persecuted and may lose his life because he dared to tell the truth.  He did not falsify the facts; he did not omit, he did not misrepresent, he did not lie or deceive, nor lacked the courage to denounce what he discovered", the manifesto says.  "In the name of freedom and also for the preservation of achievements that interest all of humanity there is only one correct measure to take: Free Julian Assange now!"