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03/09/2012
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.
But he has been living in the South American nation's embassy for months as he fights extradition to Sweden on sexual assault allegations.
The Wikileaks founder's supporters say the charges in Sweden could lead to him facing trial in the US in connection with documents he disclosed.
Mr Assange, a 41-year-old Australian citizen, denies assaulting two women in Stockholm in 2010 and says the sex was consensual.
Mr Hague said that both the UK and Sweden would seek assurances from the US that it would safeguard Mr Assange's human rights if he were to face trial there.
The Human Rights Act prevents the UK or Sweden from extraditing people for trial in countries where they could face the death penalty.
And in a written statement to Parliament, Mr Hague said: "As we have discussed with the government of Ecuador, the United Kingdom and Sweden robustly implement and adhere to the highest standards of human rights protection.
"The suggestion that Mr Assange's human rights would be put at risk by the possibility of onward extradition from Sweden to a third country is also without foundation...
"In practice, this means that the United Kingdom could only consent to Mr Assange's onward extradition from Sweden to a third country if satisfied that extradition would be compatible with his human rights, and that there was no prospect of a death sentence being imposed or carried out."
(NE)
Mr Assange has been granted asylum by Ecuador.
But he has been living in the South American nation's embassy for months as he fights extradition to Sweden on sexual assault allegations.
The Wikileaks founder's supporters say the charges in Sweden could lead to him facing trial in the US in connection with documents he disclosed.
Mr Assange, a 41-year-old Australian citizen, denies assaulting two women in Stockholm in 2010 and says the sex was consensual.
Mr Hague said that both the UK and Sweden would seek assurances from the US that it would safeguard Mr Assange's human rights if he were to face trial there.
The Human Rights Act prevents the UK or Sweden from extraditing people for trial in countries where they could face the death penalty.
And in a written statement to Parliament, Mr Hague said: "As we have discussed with the government of Ecuador, the United Kingdom and Sweden robustly implement and adhere to the highest standards of human rights protection.
"The suggestion that Mr Assange's human rights would be put at risk by the possibility of onward extradition from Sweden to a third country is also without foundation...
"In practice, this means that the United Kingdom could only consent to Mr Assange's onward extradition from Sweden to a third country if satisfied that extradition would be compatible with his human rights, and that there was no prospect of a death sentence being imposed or carried out."
(NE)
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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.
11 February 2011
Sweden PM's Criticism Could Damage Assange Trial
A UK extradition hearing has been told that criticism of Julian Assange by Sweden's Prime Minister could affect his chance of a fair trial. Geoffrey Robertson QC, who represents the Wikileaks founder, said Fredrik Reinfeldt's comments expressed "complete contempt for the presumption of innocence".
Sweden PM's Criticism Could Damage Assange Trial
A UK extradition hearing has been told that criticism of Julian Assange by Sweden's Prime Minister could affect his chance of a fair trial. Geoffrey Robertson QC, who represents the Wikileaks founder, said Fredrik Reinfeldt's comments expressed "complete contempt for the presumption of innocence".
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.
18 August 2014
Wikileaks Founder To Leave Embassy 'Soon'
Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks who has spent almost two years living inside the Ecuadorean embassy, has said that he will leave the premises "soon".
Wikileaks Founder To Leave Embassy 'Soon'
Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks who has spent almost two years living inside the Ecuadorean embassy, has said that he will leave the premises "soon".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
