Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, questioning the reliability of leaked U.S. cables referring to his nation as undemocratic and corrupt, said the fact that Assange is in custody shows the West has its own problems with democracy.

Pillay said if WikiLeaks had broken the law "then this should be handled through the legal system and not through pressure and intimidation."

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he was surprised by the lack of outcry against Assange's arrest.