WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange Says to Leave London Embassy 'Soon'

[reorg]

89. Why do you ask me?

I cited the MEP and former judge Eva Joly, who mentioned the convention and would be much better qualified to give you the appropriate reply.

I am not a legal expert, but it has been obvious from day one that the UK is preventing the government of Ecuador to take up its own obligations towards Assange who has claimed asylum in Ecuador and was recognized by this country as a refugee, whose "life or freedom would be threatened on account of his (...) political opinion", were he returned to the country where he faces these threats.

So, technically, I assume, the obligation is on Ecuador and not the UK, but since they both signed the convention, both should be under the obliation not to interfere with each others duties. The UK courts had decided that the European Arrest Warrant was valid (although following recent changes in British extradition law today they would probably not come to the same conclusion). However, as Ms Joly points out, "It is established law that these conflicts are to be resolved in favour of the higher obligation which is to the 1951 convention."

http://www.swedenversusassange.com/