SYDNEY (AP) - Australia would give consular help to WikiLeaks’ founder if he is arrested abroad, the government said Monday. However, the administration again condemned WikiLeaks’ publication of secret U.S. diplomatic documents, saying doing so threatens the security of the United States and its allies.
Attorney General Robert McClelland said WikiLeaks was grossly irresponsible for publishing the documents because they could identify informants.
"Free speech is one thing, we all respect that, but we also respect the freedoms and the rights of people to live without fear," McClelland told reporters.
He said that as an Australian citizen, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is entitled to return to his home country and receive consular help from Australian officials if he is arrested overseas.
But Australia is also obligated to help an international criminal investigation into Assange’s activities, McClelland said.
