FORMER prime minister Malcolm Fraser and dozens of other public figures have called on Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd to make sure WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is protected from ''rendition'' to the United States.

In an open letter, they warn that if Assange is extradited from Britain to Sweden - where he may face rape and sexual assault charges - he could then be handed over to the US, where prosecutors are considering criminal charges against him over the release of confidential cables.

Julian Assange Credit:AFP

''The chances of Mr Assange receiving a fair trial in the United States appear remote. A number of prominent political figures have called for him to be assassinated, and the Vice-President has called him a 'high-tech terrorist','' the letter reads.

''Given the atmosphere of hostility in relation to Mr Assange, we hold serious concerns about his safety once in US custody. We note that Mr Assange is an Australian citizen, whose journalistic activities were undertaken entirely outside of US territory.''