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Julian Assange requests asylum at Ecuador embassy - live coverage Julian Assange requests asylum at Ecuador embassy - live coverage
(40 minutes later)
1.19pm: The Guardian's data journalist and former staffer at WikiLeaks, James Ball sends me a clarification and some of his thoughts on the matter.
The clarification is that the previous 2010 offer to Assange to live in Ecuador (cited here) was in fact withdrawn a day later by president Correa himself.
Given the continuing saga, James also muses on exactly what kind of drama we are dealing with here...
With its stand-off at the tiny Ecuadorian embassy in London, the Assange melodrama has entered its third act. But despite the drama, we don't yet know for sure what kind of story it is.
The first possibility is political thriller: Assange is right, his critics wrong. The US is indeed trying to extradite Assange via Sweden, using a method which avoids due process and involves political interference.
There's been no evidence to support this theory, despite it being the basis of Assange's bid for asylum, but it would be a problematic one for the US: a backdoor extradition would bring a lot of disillusioned WikiLeaks supporters back into the fold, likely prompt a (grudging) defence of Assange from the New York Times and others, and give Obama serious first amendment and human rights challenges in an election year.
Tactically, it would be the worst possible way for the US to seek extradition.
The second option is greek tragedy: a world in which Assange has spent so long conflating allegations centred around his private life on a few days in Sweden with WikiLeaks' wider battles he's come to believe his own spin.
Instead of seeing a Swedish prosecution, Assange's belief it comes wider has led him to breach his bail, lose his supporters their bail money, and cause an diplomatic ruckus.
The third is soap opera: time and again during his Swedish sex case, Assange has escalated the situation – refusing to take an STD test, leading to the prosecution. Leaving the country and refusing. to attend a face-to-face interview (offering only Skype or through the embassy), leading to extradition.
Fighting the extradition through every court to the highest in the UK. And now, prompting a stand-off outside an embassy – always moving in the direction of increasing drama and public attention.
To those supporters still fanatically loyal to Assange, which of the three is happening matters a great deal.
To others, it's already a tragedy. WikiLeaks' alleged source Bradley Manning faces trial – and a possible death sentence – in the US. Sixteen supporters who allegedly took part in attacks on PayPal, Mastercard and Visa, the online equivalent of sit-in protests, for their boycott of WikiLeaks each face up to fifteen years in prison, and await their day in court.
A group of alleged UK hackers belonging to the Lulzsec group will each face their trials next week. And the WikiLeaks submission system remains down, as it has for nearly two years.
But we're not looking at any of that. We're looking at the Ecuadorian embassy - the aftermath of a few days in Sweden.
1.03pm: Haroon Siddique who is currently at the embassy sends this update:
There are seven Assange suppoprters outside the emabssy. Each is holding a small placard saying, "Free Assange, no extradition".
They are also holding a banner saying, "Free Assange, Free [Bradley] Manning, end the wars".
They say they are from various orginsations:Veterans for Peace, Friends of Bradley Manning, and London Catholic Workers.
Protestor Ben Griffin, from Veterans for Peace said: All of us have been supporting Julian throughout the legal process. We see him as a peaceful war resister. Julian has taken the deceision to seek asylum at this embassy and we are showing our solidarity for him.
Asked about the police he said, "the police have got to do what the police have got to do".
Gavin MacFayden, an Assange supporter from the Centre for Investigative Journalism at City University said after meeting the WikiLeaks founder: "He's is very good humour and the generosity of the embassy is impressive and moving."
He added that Assange was in a "small room".
12.54pm: Bianca Jagger who has supported Assange wants to set the record straight on posting/not posting for his bail:12.54pm: Bianca Jagger who has supported Assange wants to set the record straight on posting/not posting for his bail:
I would like to set the record straight. I didn't post bail for Julian Assange. You should know by now that the media can be very inaccurateI would like to set the record straight. I didn't post bail for Julian Assange. You should know by now that the media can be very inaccurate
— Bianca Jagger (@BiancaJagger) June 19, 2012— Bianca Jagger (@BiancaJagger) June 19, 2012
12.32pm: There are lots of people asking why Assange chose Ecuador to claim asylum?12.32pm: There are lots of people asking why Assange chose Ecuador to claim asylum?
One answer is that Assange and Ecuador's president have a good relationship (see here).One answer is that Assange and Ecuador's president have a good relationship (see here).
Digging deeper, Correa previously invited Assange to live and work in the country back in 2010. According to the contemporaneous Reuters' report:Digging deeper, Correa previously invited Assange to live and work in the country back in 2010. According to the contemporaneous Reuters' report:
Deputy Foreign Minister Kintto Lucas told local media that Ecuador was attempting to get in touch with WikiLeaks chief Julian Assange to invite him to the country, praising his work as an investigator.Deputy Foreign Minister Kintto Lucas told local media that Ecuador was attempting to get in touch with WikiLeaks chief Julian Assange to invite him to the country, praising his work as an investigator.
But asks @ConorFarrington:But asks @ConorFarrington:
@shivmalik1 but an interesting choice nonetheless given Correa's vexed relationship with the media and press freedom...@shivmalik1 but an interesting choice nonetheless given Correa's vexed relationship with the media and press freedom...
— Dr Conor Farrington (@ConorFarrington) June 20, 2012— Dr Conor Farrington (@ConorFarrington) June 20, 2012
This is a good point as only last week the Guardian's Roy Greenslade wrote of the rising tensions between opposition press and politicians in the country.This is a good point as only last week the Guardian's Roy Greenslade wrote of the rising tensions between opposition press and politicians in the country.
The president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, has said he is "seriously considering" ordering government ministers to give interviews only to public media and not to media run for profit.The president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, has said he is "seriously considering" ordering government ministers to give interviews only to public media and not to media run for profit.
Added to this we also have @OliverBullough who tweetsAdded to this we also have @OliverBullough who tweets
Here's irony: the owner of an Ecuador newspaper sought asylum in an embassy this year after government persecution on.wsj.com/Kk818AHere's irony: the owner of an Ecuador newspaper sought asylum in an embassy this year after government persecution on.wsj.com/Kk818A
— Oliver Bullough (@OliverBullough) June 20, 2012— Oliver Bullough (@OliverBullough) June 20, 2012
And links to the Wall Street Journal who write:And links to the Wall Street Journal who write:
Earlier this year, a part owner of Ecuador's leading newspaper took refuge in the Panamanian Embassy in Quito after Ecuador's top court ordered the paper to pay a $40 million fine and upheld three-year prison sentences for the part owner and three others for defaming Mr. Correa.Earlier this year, a part owner of Ecuador's leading newspaper took refuge in the Panamanian Embassy in Quito after Ecuador's top court ordered the paper to pay a $40 million fine and upheld three-year prison sentences for the part owner and three others for defaming Mr. Correa.
After a world-wide outcry, Mr. Correa forgave the fine as well as the prison terms, and the newspaper's owner left the embassy.After a world-wide outcry, Mr. Correa forgave the fine as well as the prison terms, and the newspaper's owner left the embassy.
12.10pm: More legal opinion from Joshua Rozenberg, the Guardian's Law blogger who may help to answer some of those questions from readers..12.10pm: More legal opinion from Joshua Rozenberg, the Guardian's Law blogger who may help to answer some of those questions from readers..
Julian Assange's decision to seek political asylum in Ecuador shows how desperate he must feel.Julian Assange's decision to seek political asylum in Ecuador shows how desperate he must feel.
We may infer from it that he sees little chance that the European court of human rights would even ask the UK to delay sending him to Sweden, let alone declare that he would face a breach of his human rights in a state bound by the human rights convention. We may infer from it that he sees little chance that the European court of human rights would even ask the UK to delay sending him to Sweden, let alone declare that he would face a breach of his human rights in a state bound by the human rights convention. 
That should come as little surprise. The Strasbourg court has regularly made it clear that it will issue what are called interim measures under rule 39 only if "the applicant faces a real risk of serious, irreversible harm".That should come as little surprise. The Strasbourg court has regularly made it clear that it will issue what are called interim measures under rule 39 only if "the applicant faces a real risk of serious, irreversible harm".
Assange apparently fears that Sweden would send him to the United States. He is said to believe he might face a trial there for espionage, although the US has made no announcement to this effect.Assange apparently fears that Sweden would send him to the United States. He is said to believe he might face a trial there for espionage, although the US has made no announcement to this effect.
Sweden is seeking Assange's extradition from the UK in connection with alleged offences of sexual molestation and rape.Sweden is seeking Assange's extradition from the UK in connection with alleged offences of sexual molestation and rape.
If it turned out that this was simply a pretext for handing him over to the Americans, Sweden would risk breaching article 28 of the EU framework decision that forms the basis of the European Arrest Warrant.If it turned out that this was simply a pretext for handing him over to the Americans, Sweden would risk breaching article 28 of the EU framework decision that forms the basis of the European Arrest Warrant.
The Home Secretary's consent would be required under section 58 of the Extradition Act 2003 before Sweden could order Assange's extradition to a third state.The Home Secretary's consent would be required under section 58 of the Extradition Act 2003 before Sweden could order Assange's extradition to a third state.
That said, Assange can be less sure about what would happen to him after all legal proceedings in Sweden are concluded. But even if the Americans ask for his extradition at that stage, Sweden would not agree to extradite him unless the US undertook that he would not face the death penalty on conviction....That said, Assange can be less sure about what would happen to him after all legal proceedings in Sweden are concluded. But even if the Americans ask for his extradition at that stage, Sweden would not agree to extradite him unless the US undertook that he would not face the death penalty on conviction....
It is for the Ecuadorians to decide whether they want to annoy the UK, the EU and, no doubt, the US by offering Assange asylum.It is for the Ecuadorians to decide whether they want to annoy the UK, the EU and, no doubt, the US by offering Assange asylum.
But to do so might be something of an empty gesture. The police will not enter a foreign embassy to make an arrest. But short of giving Assange Ecuadorian diplomatic status or hiding him in a rather large diplomatic bag, there seems no way in which he can get to Heathrow, let alone Ecuador, without being arrested for breach of his bail conditions.But to do so might be something of an empty gesture. The police will not enter a foreign embassy to make an arrest. But short of giving Assange Ecuadorian diplomatic status or hiding him in a rather large diplomatic bag, there seems no way in which he can get to Heathrow, let alone Ecuador, without being arrested for breach of his bail conditions.
12.03pm: We have a number of readers' questions which we are now attempting to answer as soon as we can. Here are a selection of them: 12.03pm: We have a number of readers' questions which we are attempting to answer as soon as we can. Here is a selection of them:
thecantonlighthouse asks: "I thought Sweden only wanted to question him and that no charges had been brought to date."thecantonlighthouse asks: "I thought Sweden only wanted to question him and that no charges had been brought to date."
zerocrash adds: "Maybe I'm missing something, but doesn't the UK have a far more US friendly extradition treaty than Sweden. If the US wanted to extradite him why don't they just do it from the UK?"zerocrash adds: "Maybe I'm missing something, but doesn't the UK have a far more US friendly extradition treaty than Sweden. If the US wanted to extradite him why don't they just do it from the UK?"
This is from andbaconstrips: "If his bid for asylum is successful does that mean he's going to spend the rest of his life cowering from justice in Ecuador? I've been to Ecuador. It's an impoverished corrupt mess; not somewhere I'd care to be stuck for the rest of my days."This is from andbaconstrips: "If his bid for asylum is successful does that mean he's going to spend the rest of his life cowering from justice in Ecuador? I've been to Ecuador. It's an impoverished corrupt mess; not somewhere I'd care to be stuck for the rest of my days."
BoredomisPoower wonders if there any consequences for making frivolous asylum claims?BoredomisPoower wonders if there any consequences for making frivolous asylum claims?
And finally trondandresen asks: "Will Assange get free passage out of UK if he is given asylum by Ecuador?"And finally trondandresen asks: "Will Assange get free passage out of UK if he is given asylum by Ecuador?"
All pressing questions and we will get back with answers as soon as possible.All pressing questions and we will get back with answers as soon as possible.
11.39am: The Guardian's data editor, Simon Rogers has posted a fascinating analysis of Assange's chances of obtaining asylum based on new statistics taken from the UN. He writes:11.39am: The Guardian's data editor, Simon Rogers has posted a fascinating analysis of Assange's chances of obtaining asylum based on new statistics taken from the UN. He writes:
Ecuador has a total population "of concern" to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees of 144,494 people - according to the latest data out this week. That is the second highest number in Latin America after Venezuela.Ecuador has a total population "of concern" to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees of 144,494 people - according to the latest data out this week. That is the second highest number in Latin America after Venezuela.
And, compared to its population of 14m people, it has a proportionately high number of refugees - 8.5 for every 1,000 people. That compares to 7 for Venezuela and only 3.1 for the UK. And, compared to its population of 14m people, it has a proportionately high number of refugees - 8.5 for every 1,000 people. That compares to 7 for Venezuela and only 3.1 for the UK. 
The majority of Ecuador's refugees - 122,587 people - come from neighbouring Colombia.The majority of Ecuador's refugees - 122,587 people - come from neighbouring Colombia.
It's not a certainty Julian Assange will join them either. Ecuador rejected  9,584 applications for asylum in 2011 - that's 78% of all the decisions it made that year and 68% of all applications.It's not a certainty Julian Assange will join them either. Ecuador rejected  9,584 applications for asylum in 2011 - that's 78% of all the decisions it made that year and 68% of all applications.
The country still has 21,558 pending asylum cases where it hasn't decided yet.The country still has 21,558 pending asylum cases where it hasn't decided yet.
But Ecuador also produces refugees too, something which may not have occurred to Assange. 909 people at the end of 2011. But Ecuador also produces refugees too, something which may not have occurred to Assange. 909 people at the end of 2011. 
11.29am: Matthew Happold, a barrister and professor of international law has sent us a short history of asylum in South America.11.29am: Matthew Happold, a barrister and professor of international law has sent us a short history of asylum in South America.
Diplomatic asylum has a long history in Latin America, although not an uncontroversial one.Diplomatic asylum has a long history in Latin America, although not an uncontroversial one.
Two cases between Colombia and Peru concerning the former's granting of diplomatic asylum to the Peruvian rebel Haya de la Torre came before the International Court of Justice in the Hague in the 1950s, thus setting out some rules on the practice.Two cases between Colombia and Peru concerning the former's granting of diplomatic asylum to the Peruvian rebel Haya de la Torre came before the International Court of Justice in the Hague in the 1950s, thus setting out some rules on the practice.
In Europe, however, incidents have been less common, and when they have occurred States have been unwilling to grant safe passage out of their territory. Cardinal Mindszenty remained in the US emabssy in Budapest for 15 years before being permitted to leave Hungary.In Europe, however, incidents have been less common, and when they have occurred States have been unwilling to grant safe passage out of their territory. Cardinal Mindszenty remained in the US emabssy in Budapest for 15 years before being permitted to leave Hungary.
Consequently, it cannot be said that the UK government is obliged to respect a grant of asylum by Ecuador and allow Assange to leave the country. A rule to that effect, if such exists, only applies between Latin American States He may, however, given that diplomatic premises are inviolable, remain in the Ecuadorian embassy as long as the ambassador permits him to. And his welcome will most probably soon wear out.Consequently, it cannot be said that the UK government is obliged to respect a grant of asylum by Ecuador and allow Assange to leave the country. A rule to that effect, if such exists, only applies between Latin American States He may, however, given that diplomatic premises are inviolable, remain in the Ecuadorian embassy as long as the ambassador permits him to. And his welcome will most probably soon wear out.
10.57am: Comments are now on.10.57am: Comments are now on.
10.38am: It is worth noting that Assange is actually quite friendly with Ecuador's president, Rafael Correa. In fact, Assange invited Correa on to his Russia Today show to be interviewed, just last month.
Here's the interview:		10.38am: It is worth noting that Assange is actually quite friendly with Ecuador's president, Rafael Correa. In fact, Assange invited Correa on to his Russia Today show to be interviewed, just last month.
Here's the interview:
__
10.36am: Our reporter Haroon Siddique, who is down at the embassy now, has just filed the latest update from the scene:10.36am: Our reporter Haroon Siddique, who is down at the embassy now, has just filed the latest update from the scene:
When I arrived there were about eight police officers. Police vehicles have been coming and going all morning. I asked one officer what whether he was there to arrest Assange and he said, "We've just been told to stay here until we're told otherwise".When I arrived there were about eight police officers. Police vehicles have been coming and going all morning. I asked one officer what whether he was there to arrest Assange and he said, "We've just been told to stay here until we're told otherwise".
About 10:20, all of the police suddenly left. And apart from the odd bewildered tourist there's no official presence nor any sign of supporters.About 10:20, all of the police suddenly left. And apart from the odd bewildered tourist there's no official presence nor any sign of supporters.
The embassy staff are not taking any questions.The embassy staff are not taking any questions.
10.09am: Here is a statement from the Foreign Office which came to us late last night. They have confirmed that the Ecuadorian embassy enjoyed diplomatic immunity and therefore Assange is "beyond the reach of the police".10.09am: Here is a statement from the Foreign Office which came to us late last night. They have confirmed that the Ecuadorian embassy enjoyed diplomatic immunity and therefore Assange is "beyond the reach of the police".
The Ecuadorean authorities have informed us that Mr Assange had today [Tuesday] requested political asylum in their embassy in London.The Ecuadorean authorities have informed us that Mr Assange had today [Tuesday] requested political asylum in their embassy in London.
The government of Ecuador is considering the request.The government of Ecuador is considering the request.
As Mr Assange is in the Ecuadorean embassy he is in diplomatic territory and beyond the reach of the police. We will seek to work with the Ecuadorean authorities to resolve this situation as soon as possible.As Mr Assange is in the Ecuadorean embassy he is in diplomatic territory and beyond the reach of the police. We will seek to work with the Ecuadorean authorities to resolve this situation as soon as possible.
10.04am: Here's the full statement from the police:10.04am: Here's the full statement from the police:
On 7 December 2010, officers from the Metropolitan Police Service's Extradition Unit arrested Julian Assange on behalf of the Swedish authorities.On 7 December 2010, officers from the Metropolitan Police Service's Extradition Unit arrested Julian Assange on behalf of the Swedish authorities.
Julian Assange, now 40 (d/ob 3/7/71), was arrested on a European Arrest Warrant by appointment at a London police station.Julian Assange, now 40 (d/ob 3/7/71), was arrested on a European Arrest Warrant by appointment at a London police station.
He is accused by the Swedish authorities of one count of unlawful coercion, two counts of sexual molestation and one count of rape, all alleged to have been committed in August 2010.He is accused by the Swedish authorities of one count of unlawful coercion, two counts of sexual molestation and one count of rape, all alleged to have been committed in August 2010.
Assange appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on 7 December 2010.Assange appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on 7 December 2010.
He was later granted bail by the High Court, subject to a number of bail conditions. One condition was to remain at his bail address between 22.00hrs and 08.00hrs.He was later granted bail by the High Court, subject to a number of bail conditions. One condition was to remain at his bail address between 22.00hrs and 08.00hrs.
At around 22.20hrs on Tuesday, 19 June, the MPS was notified that Assange had breached one of those bail conditions.At around 22.20hrs on Tuesday, 19 June, the MPS was notified that Assange had breached one of those bail conditions.
He is now subject to arrest under the Bail Act for breach of these conditions.He is now subject to arrest under the Bail Act for breach of these conditions.
Officers are aware of his location at The Ecuador Embassy in Hans Crescent, London.Officers are aware of his location at The Ecuador Embassy in Hans Crescent, London.
9.55am: Good morning and welcome to our live blog charting the events surrounding the somewhat surprising move by Julian Assange to claim asylum at Ecuador's embassy in the UK.9.55am: Good morning and welcome to our live blog charting the events surrounding the somewhat surprising move by Julian Assange to claim asylum at Ecuador's embassy in the UK.
To recap, yesterday afternoon the WikiLeaks founder walked into the Ecuadorian embassy and claimed asylum under the UN's human rights declaration. This followed an unsuccessful attempt to appeal against his deportation to Sweden to face allegations of rape. A summary of those events is here.To recap, yesterday afternoon the WikiLeaks founder walked into the Ecuadorian embassy and claimed asylum under the UN's human rights declaration. This followed an unsuccessful attempt to appeal against his deportation to Sweden to face allegations of rape. A summary of those events is here.
Our US team also ran a blog overnight, covering reaction following Assange's flight to the embassy. This can be found here.Our US team also ran a blog overnight, covering reaction following Assange's flight to the embassy. This can be found here.
The latest update is that as of this morning, the Metropolitan police have told us that Assange, who is still under bail conditions following his unsuccesful appeal to extradition, has now breached those conditions – one of which was to remain at his registered address between the hours of 22.00hrs and 08.00hrs.The latest update is that as of this morning, the Metropolitan police have told us that Assange, who is still under bail conditions following his unsuccesful appeal to extradition, has now breached those conditions – one of which was to remain at his registered address between the hours of 22.00hrs and 08.00hrs.
They police say they will arrest him and are aware of his current location at the embassy in Knightsbridge, west London. Our reporter at the embassy Haroon Siddique, reports that there are police at the embassy. What we have in effect, is a stand-off.They police say they will arrest him and are aware of his current location at the embassy in Knightsbridge, west London. Our reporter at the embassy Haroon Siddique, reports that there are police at the embassy. What we have in effect, is a stand-off.
We also have some questions which we will attempt to answer in the following hours which areWe also have some questions which we will attempt to answer in the following hours which are
• Why has Assange chosen Ecuador?• Why has Assange chosen Ecuador?
• How long can Assange stay at the embassy?• How long can Assange stay at the embassy?
• Can he make it to Ecuador?• Can he make it to Ecuador?
• What's the Ecuadorian embassy like?• What's the Ecuadorian embassy like?
• What happens to the bail money that was put up for Assange by his celebrity backers? Will they lose it?• What happens to the bail money that was put up for Assange by his celebrity backers? Will they lose it?
NOTE: If you have information you'd like us to share privately please do get in touch on my email shiv dot malik @guardian.co.uk. I am also on Twitter - @shivmalik1.NOTE: If you have information you'd like us to share privately please do get in touch on my email shiv dot malik @guardian.co.uk. I am also on Twitter - @shivmalik1.