Julian Assange had the support of about 200 people during a late-afternoon rally in the CBD yesterday.

Mr Assange, the founder of the Wikileaks website, is in custody in London awaiting extradition to Sweden to face charges for alleged sex crimes.

Supporters of Mr Assange, including his lawyer, have claimed the charges are politically motivated after the release of thousands of secret diplomatic cables, causing embarrassment for several governments.

The rally, held in Brisbane Square at the top end of the Queen Street Mall, was the first of two, with the second one held today.

Organiser Jessica Payne from the Socialist Alternative said Mr Assange deserved the protection of the Australian government.