Protesters demand Assange’s release from jail

SAO PAULO - Scores of demonstrators rallied Saturday outside the gates of the British consulate in Sao Paulo to demand the release from prison of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Brazilian media said the demonstration was organized online, using social networks like Facebook and Twitter and several blogs that have emerged in Brazil to protest Assange’s arrest.

Assange, who was detained after presenting himself to a police station in London Tuesday, is being held in extradition custody over allegations of sexual assault in Sweden.

The British consulate in Sao Paulo is closed Saturdays. Police watched the rally from a distance, although no violent incidents were reported.