British police arrested WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at Ecuador’s embassy in London on Thursday, April 11 after his asylum was withdrawn.
Assange has been living in the embassy since 2012 when he took refuge to avoid extradition to Sweden over a sexual assault case.
WikiLeaks issued a press statement on the arrest saying
URGENT Julian Assange did not “walk out of the embassy”. The Ecuadorian ambassador invited British police into the embassy and he was immediately arrested.
The UK’s Home Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted
“I can confirm Julian Assange is now in police custody and rightly facing justice in the UK.
Ecuador’s president Lenin Moreno issued a press statement and video explaining why they withdrew Assange’s asylum
“The patience of Ecuador has reached its limit on the behaviour of Mr Assange. He installed electronic and distortion equipment not allowed. He blocked the security cameras of the Ecuadorian mission in London. He has confronted and mistreated guards.
He had accessed the security files of our embassy without permission. He claimed to be isolated and rejected the internet connection offered by the embassy and yet he had a mobile phone with which he communicated with the outside world.
While Ecuador upheld the generous conditions of his asylum, Mr Assange legally challenged in three difference instances the legality of the protocol.
In all cases the relevant judicial authorities have validated Ecuador’s position in line with our strong commitment to human rights and international law.
I requested Great Britain to guarantee that Mr Assange would not be extradited to a country where he could face torture or the death penalty. The British government has confirmed it in writing, in accordance with its own rules.
Finally, two days ago, Wikileaks, Mr Assange’s allied organisation, threatened the government of Ecuador. My government has nothing to fear and does not act under threats. Ecuador is guided by the principles of law, complies with international law and protects the interests of Ecuadorians.”
