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16/08/2012
Assange Granted Asylum By Ecuador
Julian Assange has been granted asylum by Ecuador.
The Wikileaks founder took refuge in the countries embassy in London two months ago while fighting extradition from the UK.
Assange was facing extradition to Sweden where he faces questioning over assault and rape claims, which he denies.
He claimed that he feared if he was extradited to Sweden he would then be passed on to American authorities.
Announcing Ecuador's decision, Mr Patino said the country believed Mr Assange's fears of political persecution were "legitimate".
He said the country was being loyal to its tradition of protecting those who were vulnerable.
"We trust that our friendship with the United Kingdom will remain intact," he added.
The Foreign Office said the decision on Mr Assange's application for political asylum would not affect the UK's legal obligation to extradite him to Sweden.
It tweeted: "We remain committed to a negotiated solution that allows us to carry out our obligations under the Extradition Act."
This means that the government will still seek to arrest if he steps outside of the Ecuadorian embassy.
(H/GK)
The Wikileaks founder took refuge in the countries embassy in London two months ago while fighting extradition from the UK.
Assange was facing extradition to Sweden where he faces questioning over assault and rape claims, which he denies.
He claimed that he feared if he was extradited to Sweden he would then be passed on to American authorities.
Announcing Ecuador's decision, Mr Patino said the country believed Mr Assange's fears of political persecution were "legitimate".
He said the country was being loyal to its tradition of protecting those who were vulnerable.
"We trust that our friendship with the United Kingdom will remain intact," he added.
The Foreign Office said the decision on Mr Assange's application for political asylum would not affect the UK's legal obligation to extradite him to Sweden.
It tweeted: "We remain committed to a negotiated solution that allows us to carry out our obligations under the Extradition Act."
This means that the government will still seek to arrest if he steps outside of the Ecuadorian embassy.
(H/GK)
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20 June 2012
Julian Assange Seeks Asylum In London's Ecuador Embassy
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is seeking political asylum at Ecuador's London embassy. The South American country says it is "studying and analysing the request". This follows after last weeks rejection by the UK’s Supreme Court of Mr Assange's bid to reopen an appeal against extradition to Sweden over alleged sex crimes.
Julian Assange Seeks Asylum In London's Ecuador Embassy
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is seeking political asylum at Ecuador's London embassy. The South American country says it is "studying and analysing the request". This follows after last weeks rejection by the UK’s Supreme Court of Mr Assange's bid to reopen an appeal against extradition to Sweden over alleged sex crimes.
03 September 2012
Assange Death Penalty Fears 'Unfounded' - Hague
The UK's Foreign Secretary William Hague has said that fears Julian Assange will face the death penalty if extradited from Sweden to the US are "without foundation". Mr Assange has been granted asylum by Ecuador.
Assange Death Penalty Fears 'Unfounded' - Hague
The UK's Foreign Secretary William Hague has said that fears Julian Assange will face the death penalty if extradited from Sweden to the US are "without foundation". Mr Assange has been granted asylum by Ecuador.
17 August 2012
Assange Asylum Decision Criticised
The decision by Ecuador to grant Wikileaks founder Julian Assange political asylum has been criticised by both the UK and Sweden. Assange took refuge at Ecuador's London embassy in June as he faced extradition to Sweden over sexual assault claims, which he denies. The UK has said it will not allow him safe passage out of the country.
Assange Asylum Decision Criticised
The decision by Ecuador to grant Wikileaks founder Julian Assange political asylum has been criticised by both the UK and Sweden. Assange took refuge at Ecuador's London embassy in June as he faced extradition to Sweden over sexual assault claims, which he denies. The UK has said it will not allow him safe passage out of the country.
24 February 2011
Assange Faces Extradition To Sweden
Following a hearing two weeks ago, a judge has ruled that Julian Assange should be extradited to Sweden to face sexual assault allegations. The Wikileaks founder is now set to appeal against the ruling made at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court, in south London.
Assange Faces Extradition To Sweden
Following a hearing two weeks ago, a judge has ruled that Julian Assange should be extradited to Sweden to face sexual assault allegations. The Wikileaks founder is now set to appeal against the ruling made at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court, in south London.
19 June 2013
Julian Assange In No Hurry To Leave Embassy
Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, has told reporters that he is in no hurry to leave London's Ecuadorian embassy. Assange has been in the embassy for almost a year, after he lost an appeal against extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over sex crimes.
Julian Assange In No Hurry To Leave Embassy
Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, has told reporters that he is in no hurry to leave London's Ecuadorian embassy. Assange has been in the embassy for almost a year, after he lost an appeal against extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over sex crimes.
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