Political asylum for Assange from Ecuador

Ecuador has granted political asylum to the founder of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, who is fighting extradition from Britain to Sweden.

He sought sanctuary at Ecuador’s embassy in London two months ago when his court challenge failed.

The UK government has said it is determined to deliver Assange to Sweden where he is accused of rape and sexual assault, something he denies.

The UK Foreign Office in London has said it is possible Ecuador’s embassy might lose its diplomatic status, when it could be raided by police.

A spokesman expressed disappointment at Ecuador’s decision adding that Britain will carry out its binding obligation to extradite Assange to Sweden.

Assange angered many governments, notably the United States, by publishing thousands of leaked diplomatic messages on his WikiLeaks website.

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