Ecuador says WikiLeaks' Assange suffering lung problems

[Zorro]

Source: Reuters

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is suffering from a chronic lung ailment that could worsen at any time and is being checked regularly by doctors, the Andean country's ambassador to Britain said on Wednesday.

Assange, 41, whose website angered the United States by releasing thousands of secret diplomatic cables, has been holed up inside Ecuador's embassy in London since June to avoid extradition to Sweden for questioning over rape and sexual assault allegations. Assange has denied any wrongdoing.

"He has a chronic lung complaint that could get worse any time. The Ecuadorean state is covering Mr Assange's medical costs and we have arranged for regular doctor visits to check on his health," Ambassador Ana Alban told a local TV network during a visit to Quito.

British authorities say Assange will be arrested if he sets foot outside the embassy. The building, located just behind London's famed Harrods department store, is under constant police surveillance.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/ecuador-says-wikileaks-assange-suffering-lung-problems-194820647.html

[struggle4progress]

1. Ecuadorean Ambassador: Assange Has Lung Infection

QUITO, Ecuador November 29, 2012 (AP)

Ecuador's ambassador to Britain says WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has developed a chronic lung infection and requires constant medical attention at his refuge in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London.

Ambassador Ana Alban made the comment to reporters in the Ecuadorean capital of Quito on Wednesday without offering further details ...

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ecuadorean-ambassador-assange-lung-infection-17831328

[Zorro]

2. I suspect Correa is angling for another confrontation with the British

It plays well for him in the run-up to the upcoming election.

[randome]

3. "Cough, Julian, cough!"

Khuh-ack!

"See?"

[struggle4progress]

9. Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is NOT sick says Ecuador embassy after claims by ambassador that

he was suffering from chronic lung condition

... The ambassador told El Ciudadano, an Ecuadorian government newspaper, that she intends to appeal to the Home Office for Mr Assange to be granted safe passage to medical services following his illness, as he requires constant medical attention.

A spokesman for the Ecuadorian government said: 'In reference to reported comments of ambassador Ana Alban, Julian Assange does not have an urgent medical condition ...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2240362/Wikileaks-founder-Julian-Assange-NOT-sick-says-Ecuador-embassy.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

[msanthrope]

4. Sweden has excellent healthcare. nt

[SidDithers]

8. +1...nt

Sid

[wildbilln864]

5. why am I reminded of Alexander Litvinenko??? nt

[snot]

7. +100

[rachel1]

6. I wish him a speedy recovery

and I hope that his illness will be investigated to ensure that he wasn't harmed by those who seek to silence him.

[struggle4progress]

10. WikiLeaks' Assange downplays health concerns

By Alessandra Prentice
LONDON | Thu Nov 29, 2012 1:41pm EST

(Reuters) - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, holed up in London's Ecuadorian embassy for nearly six months, played down concerns about his health on Thursday, saying he enjoyed being at the centre of the legal and diplomatic storm ...

Dressed in a dark suit and white shirt fastened with silver-colored cufflinks in the shape of a 'W' and an 'L', Assange showed no outward sign of health problems.

"The confinement, the circumstances are obviously difficult," was all Assange would say when questioned about his health by Reuters.

"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 our time," he said ...

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/29/us-wikileaks-assange-health-idUSBRE8AS14120121129

[randome]

11. I'm sure that's true: he really DOES enjoy being the center of attention.