Julian Assange handed Sydney peace medal

Whistleblower handed Sydney peace medal

Whistleblower achievements talks; which one is corruption or which one is fair. The Sydney Peace Foundation has accused the federal government of "demonizing" Queensland-born WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange as it handed him its highest award.

The peace foundation presented Julian Assange a gold medal in recognition of his "exceptional courage in pursuit of human rights" at a ceremony in London on Tuesday.

It is only the fourth time in the organization’s 14-year history that the prize for extraordinary achievement in promoting peace with justice has been given out.

Previous winners are Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama and Japanese Buddhist leader Daisaku Ikeda. Foundation director Professor Stuart Rees said the award was to honour Mr Assange's work in challenging official secrecy.

The federal government has previously said the release by WikiLeaks of thousands of diplomatic cables and previously classified military documents may have involved criminality.

However, no charges have been brought against Assange regarding WikiLeaks' activities.

Bradley Manning, the US Army private accused of giving information to WikiLeaks, remains in jail awaiting trial on about two dozen charges, including aiding the enemy.

Julian Assange, who was named as the award recipient in February, welcomed the prize. Most of the people of the world wished him to achieving “Sydney Peace Medal”.

 (Source: manobjamin & herald sun)