Julian Assange, who published leaked diplomatic cables, is accused of rape in Sweden
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has been "buoyed" by the public's support since he sought refuge in Ecuador's London embassy, his mother has said.
Christine Assange said she had spoken to her son over the weekend and he was in "good spirits".
Mr Assange is seeking diplomatic asylum to prevent him being extradited to Sweden to face accusations of rape and assault, which he denies.
His mother said she was hopeful Ecuador would grant him diplomatic asylum.
'Pandora's box'Speaking from her home in Australia, Mrs Assange said: "He chose Ecuador because it is not a sycophant of the US, like Britain, Australia or Sweden."
Mr Assange, 40, fears if he is sent to Sweden it could lead to him being sent to the US to face charges over Wikileaks and that he could face the death penalty.
His Wikileaks website published a mass of leaked diplomatic cables that embarrassed several governments and international businesses.
She said she understood Ecuador's President Rafael Correa had made sympathetic noises but she had heard that the US was threatening to withdraw billions of dollars in aid from Ecuador if it granted asylum.
Mrs Assange said the Australian government, which has not sought to intervene on Mr Assange's behalf, was "nothing more than a puppet" of the United States.
His mother said Wikileaks had opened a "Pandora's box" and the US would not be able to prevent uncomfortable secrets emerging.
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