Julian Assange: Hunt red-faced as Amal Clooney linked to Wikileaks founder in shock claim

Mr Assange, 48, sought refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in 2012 following the UK and US’ investigation into the Wikileaks co-founder. According to reports revealed by the Daily Mail, Jeremy Hunt’s freedom envoy, Ms Clooney, 41, allegedly advised Mr Assange on his Ecuadorian embassy stay. Ms Clooney allegedly regarded the Wikileaks co-founder as “uniquely qualified” to become the technology minister of the country.

Following the reported advice of the lawyer, Mr Assange remained in the Ecuadorian embassy for seven years until his eventual arrest in April this year.

The reports come as Ms Clooney was the star speaker at the Global Conference for Media Freedom hosted by Mr Hunt on Wednesday.

Coincidentally, Mr Hunt collaborated with the Ecuadorian authorities to release Mr Assange from the country’s embassy.

When Mr Assange was arrested, Mr Hunt said that the Wikileaks founder was “no hero”.

READ MORE: Julian Assange ‘NO CHANCE’ of fair trial, Wikileaks boss rages

He added: “It is not acceptable for someone to escape facing justice and he has tried to do that for a very long time.”

On leaving the embassy, Ecuadorian officials ended his asylum status saying that it was tired of his “discourteous”.

Moreover, the US has charged Mr Assange with espionage charges and is seeking to get him extradited.

Last month, Home Secretary, Sajid Javid announced that he already signed and certified Mr Assange’s extradition papers.

READ MORE: Assange court hearing may take place in BELMARSH

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme said: “The final decision is now with the courts. I want to see justice done and we have a legitimate extradition request.”

However, it is still unclear whether Mr Assange will be sent to the US or Sweden.

Mr Javid added: “He’s rightly behind bars.

“There an extradition request from the US that is before the courts tomorrow but yesterday I signed the extradition order and certified it and that will be going in front of the courts tomorrow.”

source: express.co.uk


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