Assange Asylum Granted

Ed Geraghty made the following statement regarding Ecuador's granting of Julian Assange asylum in Ecuador which was confirmed today:

"It is clear from today's announcement that Ecuador agrees with Julian Assange's argument that his extradition would put him in danger. It may be a positive step for an Ecuador that has itself pursued crackdowns on private media and public dissent, however I hope that this is not an attempt to score political points, but a legitimate humanitarian move".

"As I have said before, regardless of whether we like the decision or not, the principle of asylum must be supported. The decision to grant asylum was Ecuador's alone. It would be disastrous if the British, American or Swedish governments attempted to interfere with a vital process in protecting human rights globally."

"Even though asylum has been granted, it is still unclear as to whether Assange will be able to leave the Ecuadorian embassy. Assange may still be subject to arrest by the police on leaving the embassy for breaching the terms of his bail. If Assange is arrested and surrendered to the Swedish authorities despite asylum having been granted, I hope it is possible for him to receive a fair hearing on the matters of which he is accused."

"What is clear, however, is that whistleblowers face terrible risks exposing wrong-doing in ever more dangerous conditions as governments world-wide, including in the UK, are pushing for more thorough and pervasive surveillance. Wikileaks is bigger than one person and it must continue to operate with or without the involvement of Julian Assange. While Wikileaks and similar organisations work hard to ensure that dangerous practices, illegality and serious issues that are in the public interest are exposed, The Pirate Party UK will continue to support them in that effort."

Ed Geraghty
Foreign Policy Spokesperson
Pirate Party UK
@tuoniPPUK

campaigns@pirateparty.org.uk

Contact:
press@pirateparty.org.uk
+44 (0) 161 987 7880