Julian Assange: UK tells Ecuador that harbouring WikiLeaks founder is not acceptable
Diplomatic spat erupts as Sweden confirms they are dropping investigation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain’s ambassador to Ecuador will complain about Quito’s failure to let Swedish prosecutors interview the WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange over rape allegations. The Foreign Office minister Hugo Swire warned yesterday that Ecuador’s failure to permit Mr Assange to be interviewed was “a growing stain” on its reputation.
The diplomatic spat erupted as Swedish prosecutors confirmed they are dropping the investigation into allegations of sexual molestation and coercing a victim. A second molestation allegation is expected to be dropped next week. They insisted an investigation into rape allegations against him will continue. Mr Assange denies the allegations.
Legal limits on the allegations have expired because they had been unable to interview Mr Assange, who is inside Ecuador’s London embassy. He has been there for three years after Quito granted him political asylum. He sought asylum saying he feared extradition to the US where he faces prosecution on espionage charges.
“Ecuador must recognise its decision to harbour Mr Assange has prevented the proper course of justice. It is completely unacceptable the British taxpayer has had to foot the bill for this abuse of diplomatic relations,” Mr Swire said. In a statement Mr Assange said: “There was no need for any of this. I am an innocent man.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments