Imprisoned Australian WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been immortalised in a Sydney graffiti mural in a bid to boost awareness of his long-running fight for freedom.
The mural, sprayed on the side of a building on George Street in the CBD, shows a bronze-faced Assange above the words "#Free Assange".
Street artist Scott Marsh, known for controversial murals including of former prime minister Tony Abbott, is due to complete the work on Tuesday.
Assange, wanted in the US over the release of US military records and diplomatic cables in 2010, has been held at London's Belmarsh Prison for more than four years as he fights extradition.
Previously he spent seven years taking refuge inside London's Ecuadorian embassy.
Assange supporters view his prosecution as a politically motivated assault on journalism and free speech, while the US says the release of the documents put lives in danger.
Mr Marsh said he created the work, which has the backing of Assange's family, after following the high-profile activist's saga for years.
He said he picked the CBD location to get maximum exposure for the work.
"I've been here the last couple of days painting it and dozens and dozens and dozens of people have stopped to take photos and ask me what it's about," he told AAP.
"This story needs to be in the front of every decent Australian's mind and I hope this mural can help re-insert his story into the Australian Zeitgeist.
"The hourglass is running out for Julian’s hope for freedom."
