The day has finally come where WikiLeaks Founder, Julian Assange, has been granted political asylum by the Ecuadorian government. Assange, was on house arrest for 560 days, with no previous charges. Then taking refuge in Ecuador's London's Embassy since June 19. This was due the U.K's Supreme Court ruling in May which authorized his extradition to Sweden, to face questioning of an alleged rape and sexual assault.The Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino, stated that his government had given "extreme and careful consideration" to this decision. It also appears that Assange's human rights may have been violated in this case claimed also by the Foreign Minister.
In support of Assange and this granted asylum, several protesters have been in front of the Embassy since 1 p.m.(BST) awaiting that final decision by the Ecuadorian government. The crowd is chanting "I support Ecuador and I support Julian." They are also shouting, "Hands off Ecuador!" So far, 3 protesters have been arrested for the day and many more may fall into this category as the day progresses.However, the U.K. is not allowing Assange a safe way out of the country and police still remain at the doorsteps of the Embassy ready for anything it seems and to arrest Assange if he decides to leave the building.
Assange's diplomatic status can be revoked within a week says the British Foreign Office. Officers can also move into the Embassy and remove Julian by force. FM of Ecuador Patino, was in shock and stated that if the British entered the Embassy by force, that it will be "a hostile and intolerable attack on his country's sovereignty."
WikiLeaks says, "the U.K. is under a binding obligation to recognize asylum, the rights of refugees and other UN laws." RT News has reported that Sweden has summoned Ecuador's ambassador and is claiming that Assange's asylum is unacceptable. 10 Police officer's did enter the London Ecuadorian Embassy, no word on what has happened as of yet. RT News, "The Foreign Ministery of Ecuador has released a statement on its website on Assange's plea."
Press Release: Julian Assange Statement and stay tuned for further developments of this story.
Sources:
WikiPedia on Julian Assange
RT.Com
EuroNews.Com
CNET
