Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is suffering from a chronic lung infection, "which could get worse at any moment" Ecuador's ambassador to the UK announced on Thursday. The 41-year-old Australian, who is fighting against UK efforts to extradite him to Sweden, took refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in June.
Ambassador Ana Alban told the BBC that the Wikileaks founder was suffering from living "in a confined space." Assange, who has been living at the embassy for six months, was granted asylum by the Latin American country in August.
"Mr. Assange, as everyone knows, is in a confined space," Alban told reporters. "Not only does the embassy have few windows but the city is also dark at this time-we have very little daylight in London." She continued, "He is exposed to any health consequences from this lack of sunlight and lack of fresh air."
However, during an interview with Reuters, Assange downplayed his concerns about any illness. "The confinement, the circumstances are obviously difficult," Assange told Reuters when asked about his health. He added, "I rather enjoy being swept away in the storm of it all. You only live once so it's important that we do something that is meaningful with your time."
According to Reuters, he showed no outward signs of health problems.
Assange's government document leaking website Wikileaks has published several thousand sensitive diplomatic cables between countries, including the United States, the BBC reported.
His present refuge at the Ecuadorian embassy stems from a 2010 rape case in Sweden. Two women accuse Assange of sexual assault during a trip in Stockholm. However, he claims that the sex was consensual and that the charges are politically motivated, the BBC reported.
He sought refuge in the Ecuadoran embassy over his extradition to Sweden for fear that he would be given to authorities in the United States.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
