London: After reports emerged that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has developed a life-threatening heart problem, the whistleblower announced on Monday that he will be leaving the Ecuadorian embassy in London soon.
Speaking in a press conference on Monday, Assange did mention that his health had suffered during two years of refuge at the Ecaudore embassy in London, as anyone would suffer after spending two years in a building with no outside access or direct sunlight.
The 43 year-old made the announcement after it emerged he has developed a potentially life-threatening heart defect and a chronic lung condition during his confinement at the embassy.
He has been living inside the building in Knightsbridge, London, since being granted diplomatic asylum in August 2012.
Assange argues that if he faces the allegations in Sweden he will be extradited to the US, where he could face 35 years in prison for publishing classified documents related to the Pentagon’s activities in Iraq and Afghanistan on Wiki Leaks.
The WikiLeaks founder is unable to seek hospital treatment for his deteriorating health problems for fear of being arrested if he steps outside the embassy, his supporters have complained. Speaking at a press conference at the embassy, Mr Assange brushed off reports that he was about to give up his fight against extradition to Sweden where he faces sex-related allegations.
When asked by reporters to clarify his position, he declined but his supporters later suggested it may have been a joke and made clear there was no deal in sight which would see the impasse end.
The founder of WikiLeaks has not been outside of the embassy building for the last two years.
He said that staying in the embassy, which has no outside space, for two years is an “environment in which any healthy person would find themselves soon enough with certain difficulties. Ricardo Patino, foreign minister for Ecuador, said: “the situation must come to an end.
He said: “Two years is simply too long, it’s time to free Julian Assange. It’s time for his human rights to be respected. He said there had been no progress in the investigation and there had been “two lost years for everyone.
Metropolitan police officers have been stationed outside the embassy since Assange entered the building and have been ordered to arrest him if he attempts to leave.
He said: “Two years is simply too long, it’s time to free Julian Assange. It’s time for his human rights to be respected. He said there had been no progress in the investigation and there had been “two lost years for everyone.
Bureau Report
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