Australian officials pay visit to Julian Assange

Australian High Commission officials have visited WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy, reportedly for the first time in six years.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been visited by officials from the Australian High Commission.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been visited by officials from the Australian High Commission. Source: AAP

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been visited by officials from the Australian High Commission.

Two officials on Thursday went to the Ecuadorian embassy in London where Mr Assange has been living for almost six years.

His internet and phone connections were cut off by the Ecuadorian government six weeks ago and he was denied visitors.

The Australian-born campaigner fears being extradited to the US if he leaves the embassy and being questioned about the activities of WikiLeaks.

It is believed to be the first time officials from the Australian High Commission in London have visited him.

Jennifer Robinson, a member of Mr Assange's legal team, said: "I can confirm we met with Australian government representatives in the embassy today.

"Julian Assange is in a very serious situation, detained without charge for seven-and-a-half years.

"He remains in the embassy because of the risk of extradition to the US.

"That risk is undeniable after numerous statements by Trump administration officials, including the director of the CIA and the US attorney-general.

"Given the delicate diplomatic situation we cannot comment further at this time."


1 min read

Published

Updated



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world