Assange shuns surrender call and stays put in embassy

Published on 30/06/2012 02:33

WIKILEAKS founder Julian Assange has refused to comply with a police request to surrender himself to officers, saying he will remain inside the Embassy of Ecuador while his application for political asylum is processed.

The 40-year-old has been inside the London embassy since last week, seeking political asylum as part of his attempt to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning on alleged sex offences.

He was served with a letter from Scotland Yard requesting he surrender himself at Belgravia police station in London at 11:30am yesterday. But Mr Assange said he had been advised not to comply, adding: “This should not be considered any sign of disrespect. Under both international and domestic UK law, asylum assessments take priority over extradition claims.”