Assange vows to leave Ecuadorean embassy 'soon'
Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
Publication Date | 18 August 2014 |
Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Assange vows to leave Ecuadorean embassy 'soon', 18 August 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54003f1cd.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 18, 2014
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says he will soon leave the Ecuadorean embassy in London after being holed up there for more than two years.
Assange spoke at a news conference on August 18.
"I can confirm that I am leaving the embassy soon," he said, but gave no details.
The 43-year-old Assange is expected to be arrested if he leaves the embassy.
He took refuge there in June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden to face questioning on sexual-misconduct allegations.
He has said he fears Sweden could deliver him to the United States to face prosecution for the publication by WikiLeaks of leaked classified documents in 2010.
Assange said he has not been publicly charged by British or Swedish authorities.
He said that "Europe is meant to be a place where the rule of law is respected" and human rights are respected.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website