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London – It was a year ago today that founder of Wiki-leaks Julian Assange – facing questioning by Swedish authorities of allegations of sex crimes – skipped the country to seek refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy. Assange is still refusing to leave. The man responsible for the leak of confidential government information is wanted in more than just Sweden.
The US has ordered the arrest of Assange for the publishing of among other things, 250 000 US state department cables, including sensitive information over US troop locations.
Assange has been fighting extradition charges for sexual assault on 2 Swedish women. He denies the charges, and many believe they are part of a conspiracy to get Assange extradited to the US.
The left leaning Ecuadorian government has said they will continue to assist Assange. As long as he remains within the embassy, which according to international law is seen as Ecuadorian soil, he remains out of reach of the British authorities. Police officers remain constantly stationed outside the embassy in case he tries to slip out. According to the National Post the police cost of the “Assange operation” hit almost US$6 million at the end of May.
Assange remains in the public mind, with visits from celebrities including Lady Gaga and Vivienne Westwood. He does occasionally step out onto the embassy’s balcony to address pro-WikiLeaks demonstrators, but this is the only time he goes outside.
According to the National Post Assange has admitted that his embassy exile is taking a toll on his health.
London – It was a year ago today that founder of Wiki-leaks Julian Assange – facing questioning by Swedish authorities of allegations of sex crimes – skipped the country to seek refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy. Assange is still refusing to leave. The man responsible for the leak of confidential government information is wanted in more than just Sweden.
The US has ordered the arrest of Assange for the publishing of among other things, 250 000 US state department cables, including sensitive information over US troop locations.
Assange has been fighting extradition charges for sexual assault on 2 Swedish women. He denies the charges, and many believe they are part of a conspiracy to get Assange extradited to the US.
The left leaning Ecuadorian government has said they will continue to assist Assange. As long as he remains within the embassy, which according to international law is seen as Ecuadorian soil, he remains out of reach of the British authorities. Police officers remain constantly stationed outside the embassy in case he tries to slip out. According to the National Post the police cost of the “Assange operation” hit almost US$6 million at the end of May.
Assange remains in the public mind, with visits from celebrities including Lady Gaga and Vivienne Westwood. He does occasionally step out onto the embassy’s balcony to address pro-WikiLeaks demonstrators, but this is the only time he goes outside.
According to the National Post Assange has admitted that his embassy exile is taking a toll on his health.
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