WikiLeaks warns UK against Assange arrest
2012-08-16 20:26
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London - WikiLeaks spokesperson Kristinn Hrafnsson on Thursday warned Britain against any attempt to enter Ecuador's London embassy and arrest his colleague Julian Assange, who has been granted asylum.
"I am delighted that Ecuador has decided to offer asylum to Julian Assange and did not bow to the intimidation and bullying by the UK," Hrafnsson told AFP in a telephone interview from Iceland.
"Hopefully, we will see the decision resolved in a civilised manner," he added.
"I hope that the UK authorities are sensible enough not to enter the embassy without permission, which would risk upsetting diplomatic relations all over the world."
Ecuador's Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino announced at a press conference on Thursday that his government had decided to grant asylum to Assange, who has been holed up at the embassy since 19 June.
Britain has said the granting of asylum does not change its "obligation" to extradite Assange, the founder of the whistleblowing website, to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over alleged sex crimes.
Hrafnsson said he had not yet spoken to Assange, but planned to call him soon.
"Considering the situation he's been holding up well," he said. "Julian is used to living in difficult circumstances. And he has had access to a computer in the embassy, so he has been able to carry on working."
