Julian Assange to stay in Ecuadorian embassy to avoid US extradition [View all]

[DonViejo]

Source: Newsweek



WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is expected to remain at the Ecuadorian embassy in London until the U.K. clarifies whether it has received an extradition request from the U.S., a member of his legal team tells Newsweek.

Prosecutors in Sweden dropped a preliminary investigation into an allegation of sexual assault against Assange, repealing a Europe-wide arrest warrant. However, an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice remains ongoing over WikiLeaks’ release of secret military files on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Melinda Taylor, an international human rights attorney who represents Assange, told Newsweek the U.K. has repeatedly refused to confirm or deny whether it has already received an extradition request in relation to the ongoing national security prosecution in the United States.

“I haven’t had a chance to speak to Julian yet, but the sole reason for his asylum was and continues to be the ongoing national security prosecution in the United States,” Taylor said. “That hasn’t changed and despite repeated requests to the U.K. and U.S. for clarification on whether an extradition request is in place, none has been given. In the meantime, the U.K. remains under a continuing obligation to ensure his liberty and protection.”

Read more: http://www.newsweek.com/julian-assange-stay-ecuadorian-embassy-612175