Lawyer Says Australia Has Abandoned Assange

Requests for diplomatic assistance are being ignored.

AUSTRALIAN authorities appear to have ignored requests by Julian Assange for diplomatic help, including a letter sent as recently as 15 days ago, his lawyer said.

Judge Baltasar Garzon Real also revealed key information relating to the rape allegations facing Mr Assange had been kept secret and would be a "big surprise" when the defence team was able to reveal them.