Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno declared a state of emergency on Thursday as protesters hurled stones and erected burning barricades after the end of decades-old fuel subsidies as part of a $2 billion government fiscal reform package.

Police responded with tear gas in the worst unrest for years in the oil-producing Andean nation.

"Down with the package!" demonstrators shouted, referring to measures enacted this week as Moreno puts Ecuador on a centrist, market-friendly path after years of leftist rule.

With the fuel subsidy cut taking effect on Thursday, taxi, bus and truck drivers blocked streets from early morning in the highland capital Quito and in Guayaquil on the Pacific coast.

Indigenous groups, students and unions joined the action, barricading roads with rocks and burning tires.

In Quito, masked youths faced off with riot police who drove them back with tear gas and deployed armoured vehicles.

"It's an indefinite action until the government overturns the decree on subsidies. We're paralysing the nation," said bus transport leader Abel Gomez.

Officials say the elimination of fuel subsidies was necessary to lift a struggling economy and stop smuggling.

Moreno, who won election in 2017 to replace Rafael Correa, told reporters the "perverse" and highly costly subsidy, in place for 40 years, had distorted the economy and protests would not be allowed to paralyse Ecuador.

"To ensure citizens' security and avoid chaos, I have ordered a national state of emergency," the president said of the measure that suspends some rights and empowers the military to keep order.

"I have the courage to make the right decisions for the nation."

Diesel prices rose from $1.03 to $2.30 per gallon while gasoline rose from $1.85 to $2.39.

As darkness fell, several thousand marchers headed for the presidential palace in downtown Quito, which was ringed by police and soldiers. The protesters were eventually dispersed.

Looting and arrests

In Guayaquil, several shops were looted, authorities said. In Ecuador's third city, Cuenca, the local opposition mayor led a protest.

Early in the day, Interior Minister Maria Romo said 19 people were arrested, but that number was expected to rise.

Speaking mid-evening on a visit to Guayaquil, Moreno said that violent unrest was "almost totally" under control and praised security forces for restoring order.

With a population of more than 17 million people, Ecuador has a long history of political instability. Street protests toppled three presidents during economic turmoil in the decade before Correa took power in 2007.

Ecuador hopes to save about $1.5 billion a year from eliminating fuel subsidies. Along with tax reforms, the government would benefit by about $2.27 billion.

Earlier this week, Ecuador announced it was leaving the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to pump more oil and raise revenues.

Ecuador pumps nearly 550,000 barrels per day.

State energy company Petroecuador said oil facilities were operating normally despite Thursday's unrest.

The government wants to reduce the fiscal deficit from an estimated $3.6 billion this year to under $1 billion in 2020.

Ecuador's debt grew under Correa, who endorsed Moreno in the 2017 election but has since become a critic of his successor's turn toward more market-friendly economic policies.

Moreno's government has improved relations with the United States and reached a $4.2 billion loan deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in February, dependent on unspecified structural changes.

Scepticism of the IMF runs strong in Ecuador and throughout Latin America, where many blame austerity policies for economic hardship.

"We'll close all the main roads," said taxi driver Sergio Menoscal, 55, helping to block streets in Guayaquil.

"We're tired of false promises ... we can't be blind to a government that has done nothing for the people."

Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno declared a state of emergency on Thursday as protesters hurled stones and erected burning barricades after the end of decades-old fuel subsidies as part of a $2 billion government fiscal reform package.

Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno declared a state of emergency on Thursday as protesters hurled stones and erected burning barricades after the end of decades-old fuel subsidies as part of a $2 billion government fiscal reform package. Police responded with tear gas in the worst unrest for years in the oil-producing Andean nation. "Down with the package!" demonstrators shouted, referring to measures enacted this week as Moreno puts Ecuador on a centrist, market-friendly path after years of leftist rule. With the fuel subsidy cut taking effect on Thursday, taxi, bus and truck drivers blocked streets from early morning in the highland capital Quito and in Guayaquil on the Pacific coast. Indigenous groups, students and unions joined the action, barricading roads with rocks and burning tires. In Quito, masked youths faced off with riot police who drove them back with tear gas and deployed armoured vehicles. "It's an indefinite action until the government overturns the decree on subsidies. We're paralysing the nation," said bus transport leader Abel Gomez. Officials say the elimination of fuel subsidies was necessary to lift a struggling economy and stop smuggling. Moreno, who won election in 2017 to replace Rafael Correa, told reporters the "perverse" and highly costly subsidy, in place for 40 years, had distorted the economy and protests would not be allowed to paralyse Ecuador. "To ensure citizens' security and avoid chaos, I have ordered a national state of emergency," the president said of the measure that suspends some rights and empowers the military to keep order. "I have the courage to make the right decisions for the nation." Diesel prices rose from $1.03 to $2.30 per gallon while gasoline rose from $1.85 to $2.39. As darkness fell, several thousand marchers headed for the presidential palace in downtown Quito, which was ringed by police and soldiers. The protesters were eventually dispersed. Looting and arrests In Guayaquil, several shops were looted, authorities said. In Ecuador's third city, Cuenca, the local opposition mayor led a protest. Early in the day, Interior Minister Maria Romo said 19 people were arrested, but that number was expected to rise. Speaking mid-evening on a visit to Guayaquil, Moreno said that violent unrest was "almost totally" under control and praised security forces for restoring order. With a population of more than 17 million people, Ecuador has a long history of political instability. Street protests toppled three presidents during economic turmoil in the decade before Correa took power in 2007. Ecuador hopes to save about $1.5 billion a year from eliminating fuel subsidies. Along with tax reforms, the government would benefit by about $2.27 billion. Earlier this week, Ecuador announced it was leaving the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to pump more oil and raise revenues. Ecuador pumps nearly 550,000 barrels per day. State energy company Petroecuador said oil facilities were operating normally despite Thursday's unrest. The government wants to reduce the fiscal deficit from an estimated $3.6 billion this year to under $1 billion in 2020. Ecuador's debt grew under Correa, who endorsed Moreno in the 2017 election but has since become a critic of his successor's turn toward more market-friendly economic policies. Moreno's government has improved relations with the United States and reached a $4.2 billion loan deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in February, dependent on unspecified structural changes. Scepticism of the IMF runs strong in Ecuador and throughout Latin America, where many blame austerity policies for economic hardship. "We'll close all the main roads," said taxi driver Sergio Menoscal, 55, helping to block streets in Guayaquil. "We're tired of false promises ... we can't be blind to a government that has done nothing for the people."

Ecuador declares state of emergency as fuel protesters battle police

Massive protests took place in Ecuador over abortion.

Ecuador's Anti-Abortion move: Assembly votes against decriminalisation

Almost the entire population of Ecuador had their personal data leaked online in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-data-leak-three-users-sue-company-in-the-us-126733">major security breach</a>, officials and security experts said Monday.

Data on an estimated 20 million people, including almost seven million minors as well as deceased citizens, was exposed by the breach, the state attorney general's office said.

The data was hosted on an unsecured server run by an Ecuadoran marketing and analytics firm.

"The information that I can share with you at this moment is that this is a very delicate issue, it is a major concern for the whole of the government and the state," said Interior Minister Maria Paula Romo.

The South American nation has a population of 17 million, according to the UN Population Fund.

Ecuadoran authorities said the data was allegedly from a server-based in the United States.

The security company vpnMentor uncovered the breach on the server run by the firm Novaestrat, which included citizens' full names, dates and places of birth, education levels, phone numbers and national identity card numbers.

ZDNet, the cybersecurity website that first reported the breach, said there was even data on the country's president and on Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder who applied for asylum in Ecuador and spent years holed up in the country's London embassy before being arrested this year by British police.

As part of his application for asylum, Assange was issued an Ecuadoran identity card.

The security company contacted Ecuador's Computer Emergency Response Team to secure the leaked data, ZDNet said.

Romo said the government was "working on an investigation which will permit us in the coming hours to assess who is responsible for what happened."

"I hope, too, that in the hours to come, the telecommunications ministry will be able to assess more thoroughly technical information about data protection."

Authorities in Ecuador said they had raided Novaestrat's office to collect evidence, including computers and electronic equipment.

The ministry of telecommunications, meanwhile, said it would send a bill on personal data protection to the National Assembly as part of the government's efforts to prevent such leaks. 
&nbsp;

Almost the entire population of Ecuador had their personal data leaked online in a major security breach, officials and security experts said Monday. Data on an estimated 20 million people, including almost seven million minors as well as deceased citizens, was exposed by the breach, the state attorney general's office said.

Almost the entire population of Ecuador had their personal data leaked online in a major security breach, officials and security experts said Monday. Data on an estimated 20 million people, including almost seven million minors as well as deceased citizens, was exposed by the breach, the state attorney general's office said. The data was hosted on an unsecured server run by an Ecuadoran marketing and analytics firm. "The information that I can share with you at this moment is that this is a very delicate issue, it is a major concern for the whole of the government and the state," said Interior Minister Maria Paula Romo. The South American nation has a population of 17 million, according to the UN Population Fund. Ecuadoran authorities said the data was allegedly from a server-based in the United States. The security company vpnMentor uncovered the breach on the server run by the firm Novaestrat, which included citizens' full names, dates and places of birth, education levels, phone numbers and national identity card numbers. ZDNet, the cybersecurity website that first reported the breach, said there was even data on the country's president and on Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder who applied for asylum in Ecuador and spent years holed up in the country's London embassy before being arrested this year by British police. As part of his application for asylum, Assange was issued an Ecuadoran identity card. The security company contacted Ecuador's Computer Emergency Response Team to secure the leaked data, ZDNet said. Romo said the government was "working on an investigation which will permit us in the coming hours to assess who is responsible for what happened." "I hope, too, that in the hours to come, the telecommunications ministry will be able to assess more thoroughly technical information about data protection." Authorities in Ecuador said they had raided Novaestrat's office to collect evidence, including computers and electronic equipment. The ministry of telecommunications, meanwhile, said it would send a bill on personal data protection to the National Assembly as part of the government's efforts to prevent such leaks.

Almost entire population of Ecuador has online data leaked

Watch to know how Ecuador is tackling plastic pollution, waste.

WION Dispatch: Recycle plastic bottles, earn money

Researchers in Ecuador are investigating the wizened cranium of an Amazon warrior, hoping to unlock the secrets of this macabre pre-Hispanic practice. The shrunken head, known as the "tzantza", is believed to come from the Shuar, an indigenous people of Ecuador. The head was previously stored in the Vatican for nearly a century before being returned to the Andean nation in 2017. There is still much to discover about the pre-Hispanic belief of the shrunken head.

Experts seek to uncover secrets of Ecuador's 'tzantza' shrunken head

Ecuador`s market &nbsp;friendly President Lenin Moreno is cracking down on illegal gold miners, who are increasingly encroaching on formal mines, but keeping them away from an Australian billionaire`s concession for good may prove a tall order.

 
Moreno last month sent 4,000 troops and police to clear thousands of miners from a gold and copper mining concession belonging to Hancock Prospecting, controlled by Gina Rinehart, Australia`s wealthiest person.

 
Now, with the area under a 60 day state of emergency and military and police guarding nearby Buenos Aires parish, authorities say illegal mining, also known as wildcat mining, at the Imba &nbsp;2 concession has stopped.

But the move, which followed a request by Rinehart`s company that its contract is suspended due to the unrest, now risks sparking a backlash with locals.&nbsp;

For dwellers of the hardscrabble agricultural community, the "plastic city" of tents and makeshift restaurants near the mines brought a jolt of economic activity to the remote, mountainous area. Some wildcat miners pledge to return once the emergency measures end.

"This town was left poorer than it had been in a lifetime," said 50 year old Buenos Aires resident Alba Martinez, whose husband abandoned his crops when he went to work at the mine two years ago. After the operation, he and the couples` two sons also miners left town looking for work.

The standoff underscores a wider conundrum for governments in the developing world, including Latin American, African and Asian countries, as they seek to court big miners and the jobs and tax revenues they typically bring in while trying to avoid a backlash among locals, many of whom see wildcat prospecting as their birthright.&nbsp;

"Of course, illegal mining generates uncertainty," Ecuadorean Vice President Otto Sonnenholzner, who chairs a task force on combating illegal mining, told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference last month. "There`s no question of that. But what is certain is that the national government will not tolerate any illegal activity."

Moreno has courted the sector by eliminating a windfall tax on miners, lowering a sliding scale of royalty payments, and reducing a capital gains tax on mining company transfers.&nbsp;

Last year, Ecuador received $742 million in foreign direct investment in the mining sector, more than double 2017 levels.&nbsp;

Moreno cheered the recent opening of the Chinese-owned Mirador copper mine in southern Ecuador, as well as progress at SolGold PLC`s Cascabel project in mountainous Imbabura province. That is where the concessions of Hancock`s local subsidiary, Hanrine, are also located.&nbsp; 
But obstacles have emerged. Communities near the Cascabel mine challenged the project, seeking a popular referendum. That has been turned back by Ecuador`s Constitutional Court, but similar challenges are pending.

Several companies, including Canadian explorers Core Gold Inc and Luminex Resources Corp, have alerted investors to risks posed by illegal miners, ranging from the depletion of reserves to environmental damages for which they could be held accountable.&nbsp;

Hancock declined to comment. Core Gold and Luminex did not respond to requests for comment. 
`THE PEOPLE HAVE LEFT` 
Illegal miners flocked to Hanrine`s Imba 2 concession soon after a farmer struck fool`s gold while building a nearby road in late 2017. As the ensuing gold rush attracted thousands, the government grew concerned about human trafficking, environmental damages and extortion by armed rebel groups.

As a result, Hanrine could not access the area. In March 2018, authorities issued a resolution ordering the end of illegal mining on the concession.&nbsp;

But the wildcat mining continued to grow, and this March Hanrine requested that its contract be suspended so that the clock on its four year exploration license would stop ticking, according to Santiago Chamorro, who coordinates mining policy for Ecuador`s northern region. He said the suspension was granted on July 19.&nbsp;

The state of emergency in Buenos Aires, one of several such crackdowns on illegal mining by Moreno, ended an economic boom that had taken hold in the area.

Buenos Aires resident Martinez, for example, had taken out loans to run a catering business, which disappeared overnight after authorities cleared the mine. On a Friday morning about two weeks ago, the 60 soldiers and police occupying the town vastly outnumbered residents out on the streets, while restaurants, inns and credit unions all had their doors shut.&nbsp;

"The people have left, and now we do not have anything. There is not a single source of jobs," she said. 
Chamorro said the development of formal, large-scale mining would bring jobs to the area, pointing to laws requiring 80per cent of mining workers to be Ecuadorean citizens and 60per cent of royalties from mine to be invested in nearby communities.

"Illegal mining is not the cause, but the effect...of the lack of employment, we have to be sincere," Chamorro said in an interview at his office in Ibarra, Imbabura`s provincial capital.&nbsp;

But in Buenos Aires, two former miners said they were plotting to return to the mine once the two month state of emergency ended and security forces retreated.&nbsp;

One of them, a 20 &nbsp;year old who gave his name as Alberto and said he earned up to $40 a day during nine months working at the illegal mine, was sceptical of the government`s assurances big mining would bring jobs.&nbsp;

"Once the company arrives, there will be nothing left for the people," he said.&nbsp;

Ecuador`s market friendly President Lenin Moreno is cracking down on illegal gold miners, who are increasingly encroaching on formal mines, but keeping them away from an Australian billionaire`s concession for good may prove a tall order.

Ecuador`s market friendly President Lenin Moreno is cracking down on illegal gold miners, who are increasingly encroaching on formal mines, but keeping them away from an Australian billionaire`s concession for good may prove a tall order. Moreno last month sent 4,000 troops and police to clear thousands of miners from a gold and copper mining concession belonging to Hancock Prospecting, controlled by Gina Rinehart, Australia`s wealthiest person. Now, with the area under a 60 day state of emergency and military and police guarding nearby Buenos Aires parish, authorities say illegal mining, also known as wildcat mining, at the Imba 2 concession has stopped. But the move, which followed a request by Rinehart`s company that its contract is suspended due to the unrest, now risks sparking a backlash with locals. For dwellers of the hardscrabble agricultural community, the "plastic city" of tents and makeshift restaurants near the mines brought a jolt of economic activity to the remote, mountainous area. Some wildcat miners pledge to return once the emergency measures end. "This town was left poorer than it had been in a lifetime," said 50 year old Buenos Aires resident Alba Martinez, whose husband abandoned his crops when he went to work at the mine two years ago. After the operation, he and the couples` two sons also miners left town looking for work. The standoff underscores a wider conundrum for governments in the developing world, including Latin American, African and Asian countries, as they seek to court big miners and the jobs and tax revenues they typically bring in while trying to avoid a backlash among locals, many of whom see wildcat prospecting as their birthright. "Of course, illegal mining generates uncertainty," Ecuadorean Vice President Otto Sonnenholzner, who chairs a task force on combating illegal mining, told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference last month. "There`s no question of that. But what is certain is that the national government will not tolerate any illegal activity." Moreno has courted the sector by eliminating a windfall tax on miners, lowering a sliding scale of royalty payments, and reducing a capital gains tax on mining company transfers. Last year, Ecuador received $742 million in foreign direct investment in the mining sector, more than double 2017 levels. Moreno cheered the recent opening of the Chinese-owned Mirador copper mine in southern Ecuador, as well as progress at SolGold PLC`s Cascabel project in mountainous Imbabura province. That is where the concessions of Hancock`s local subsidiary, Hanrine, are also located. But obstacles have emerged. Communities near the Cascabel mine challenged the project, seeking a popular referendum. That has been turned back by Ecuador`s Constitutional Court, but similar challenges are pending. Several companies, including Canadian explorers Core Gold Inc and Luminex Resources Corp, have alerted investors to risks posed by illegal miners, ranging from the depletion of reserves to environmental damages for which they could be held accountable. Hancock declined to comment. Core Gold and Luminex did not respond to requests for comment. `THE PEOPLE HAVE LEFT` Illegal miners flocked to Hanrine`s Imba 2 concession soon after a farmer struck fool`s gold while building a nearby road in late 2017. As the ensuing gold rush attracted thousands, the government grew concerned about human trafficking, environmental damages and extortion by armed rebel groups. As a result, Hanrine could not access the area. In March 2018, authorities issued a resolution ordering the end of illegal mining on the concession. But the wildcat mining continued to grow, and this March Hanrine requested that its contract be suspended so that the clock on its four year exploration license would stop ticking, according to Santiago Chamorro, who coordinates mining policy for Ecuador`s northern region. He said the suspension was granted on July 19. The state of emergency in Buenos Aires, one of several such crackdowns on illegal mining by Moreno, ended an economic boom that had taken hold in the area. Buenos Aires resident Martinez, for example, had taken out loans to run a catering business, which disappeared overnight after authorities cleared the mine. On a Friday morning about two weeks ago, the 60 soldiers and police occupying the town vastly outnumbered residents out on the streets, while restaurants, inns and credit unions all had their doors shut. "The people have left, and now we do not have anything. There is not a single source of jobs," she said. Chamorro said the development of formal, large-scale mining would bring jobs to the area, pointing to laws requiring 80per cent of mining workers to be Ecuadorean citizens and 60per cent of royalties from mine to be invested in nearby communities. "Illegal mining is not the cause, but the effect...of the lack of employment, we have to be sincere," Chamorro said in an interview at his office in Ibarra, Imbabura`s provincial capital. But in Buenos Aires, two former miners said they were plotting to return to the mine once the two month state of emergency ended and security forces retreated. One of them, a 20 year old who gave his name as Alberto and said he earned up to $40 a day during nine months working at the illegal mine, was sceptical of the government`s assurances big mining would bring jobs. "Once the company arrives, there will be nothing left for the people," he said.

Ecuador's crackdown on wildcatting at Australian mogul's mining lease faces backlash

Alexis Sanchez shrugged off an ankle injury and continued his resurgent form at the Copa America as the Chile striker fired his side to a 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Friday which took the holders into the quarter-finals of the competition.

Chile took the lead in the eighth minute when Jose Fuenzalida volleyed into the net but Ecuador were awarded a penalty when goalkeeper Gabriel Arias clattered Jhegson Mendez, allowing Enner Valencia to level from the spot in the 26th.

Sanchez, who had ended a barren five-month spell by scoring in Monday's 4-0 win against Japan, put Chile ahead early in the second half, expertly guiding a bouncing cross into the net with one touch.

Ecuador, who were hammered 4-0 by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-luis-suarez-edinson-cavani-score-as-uruguay-crush-10-man-ecuador-227872&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiOz4_Tr_ziAhUILI8KHZqPBesQFjAFegQIChAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WrwxdskkJ5ve4oWgzrnu-">Uruguay </a>in their opening game, rarely threatened again and saw defender Gabriel Achilier receive a straight red card in stoppage time for a rash tackle on Arturo Vidal, who had to be taken off.

Sanchez later revealed he had been playing with an ankle injury sustained in the first half.

"After a cross, I rolled my ankle but I put a bandage on it, I took a pill for the pain and I came out again," he told reporters.

"I think I have a sprain, I was playing with pain but I hope it's not too serious," he said.

Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda praised Sanchez for playing on, adding that the ankle was not the same one he injured in May.

"He was evaluated by the doctors at halftime who said he could continue, although he put lots of ice on it at halftime. He made a huge effort in the second half," he said.

"We'll evaluate it again but we hope it isn't serious," Rueda said.

Chile, Copa champions in 2015 and 2016, lead Group C on six points. Uruguay are second on four with Japan third on one and Ecuador bottom with no points.

Ecuador still have an outside chance of sneaking into the quarter-finals as one of the two best ranked third-place finishers but they must win their game against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-koji-miyoshi-shines-japan-plays-2-2-draw-against-uruguay-229170&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiOz4_Tr_ziAhUILI8KHZqPBesQFjAHegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw200dFTbFxA3KruVs3N4eyg">Japan </a>on Monday and hope other results go their way.

Their coach, Hernan Dario Gomez, gave the briefest of post-match news conferences, saying he was not in the mood to take questions and gave a short assessment of the game before leaving.

Alexis Sanchez shrugged off an ankle injury and continued his resurgent form at the Copa America as the Chile striker fired his side to a 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Friday which took the holders into the quarter-finals of the competition.

Alexis Sanchez shrugged off an ankle injury and continued his resurgent form at the Copa America as the Chile striker fired his side to a 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Friday which took the holders into the quarter-finals of the competition. Chile took the lead in the eighth minute when Jose Fuenzalida volleyed into the net but Ecuador were awarded a penalty when goalkeeper Gabriel Arias clattered Jhegson Mendez, allowing Enner Valencia to level from the spot in the 26th. Sanchez, who had ended a barren five-month spell by scoring in Monday's 4-0 win against Japan, put Chile ahead early in the second half, expertly guiding a bouncing cross into the net with one touch. Ecuador, who were hammered 4-0 by Uruguay in their opening game, rarely threatened again and saw defender Gabriel Achilier receive a straight red card in stoppage time for a rash tackle on Arturo Vidal, who had to be taken off. Sanchez later revealed he had been playing with an ankle injury sustained in the first half. "After a cross, I rolled my ankle but I put a bandage on it, I took a pill for the pain and I came out again," he told reporters. "I think I have a sprain, I was playing with pain but I hope it's not too serious," he said. Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda praised Sanchez for playing on, adding that the ankle was not the same one he injured in May. "He was evaluated by the doctors at halftime who said he could continue, although he put lots of ice on it at halftime. He made a huge effort in the second half," he said. "We'll evaluate it again but we hope it isn't serious," Rueda said. Chile, Copa champions in 2015 and 2016, lead Group C on six points. Uruguay are second on four with Japan third on one and Ecuador bottom with no points. Ecuador still have an outside chance of sneaking into the quarter-finals as one of the two best ranked third-place finishers but they must win their game against Japan on Monday and hope other results go their way. Their coach, Hernan Dario Gomez, gave the briefest of post-match news conferences, saying he was not in the mood to take questions and gave a short assessment of the game before leaving.

Copa America: Alexis Sanchez strikes again to take Chile into quarters

Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani were on target as&nbsp;Uruguay&nbsp;thumped 10-man Ecuador 4-0 in their opening Group C match at the Copa America on Sunday.

Nicolas Lodeiro opened the scoring after just six minutes before Ecuador full-back Jose Quintero was dismissed for a flailing arm.

With a numerical advantage,&nbsp;Uruguay&nbsp;ran riot at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte as Cavani and Suarez netted before the break. The rout was completed 12 minutes from time with an Arturo Mina own goal.

"We had chances in the first half, we managed to take them and that gave us the tranquility to manage the game," said Cavani, who finally scored his first Copa America goal in his fourth participation.

"It was an important step."

It was the ideal beginning for&nbsp;Uruguay&nbsp;in a tough Group C alongside champions Chile and guests Japan, who meet on Monday in Sao Paulo.

"We're not as bad as that," lamented Ecuador's Colombian coach Hernan Dario Gomez.

"It was a match that got away from us, especially in the first half when it got away from us in every aspect."

Uruguay&nbsp;were off to a dream start.

Suarez crossed from the right and Lodeiro proved the coolest customer in the Mineirao stadium as he beat one defender with his chest control, flicked the ball over another and then hit a crisp, low volley into the bottom far corner.

"We knew they would be very tough opponents. The important thing was start the game with maximum concentration and we managed that," said Cavani.

Uruguay&nbsp;were rampant and had the ball in the net soon afterwards only for Cavani to be given offside in the build-up.

Ecuador brought a physicality to the contest that upset the Uruguayan players and Quintero was perhaps lucky to escape punishment when catching Diego Laxalt with an elbow in an aerial challenge.

But moments later, his arm made contact with Lodeiro's face when challenging for another header, this time drawing blood.

Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco -- whose bulging arm muscles put even Ecuador's strapping players to shame -- initially showed the full-back a yellow card but after consulting VAR he changed that to red.

That left Ecuador with a mountain to climb.

On 27 minutes, Alexander Dominguez made a brilliant low save to turn behind Cavani's half-volley from 15 yards.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Cavani was denied again when Dominguez stunningly tipped his clever back-flick onto the post one-handed.

But it was third time lucky on 33 minutes as Diego Godin headed the ball into the danger area and Cavani acrobatically rasped a bicycle kick from seven yards past a helpless Dominguez, his 47th international goal.

Patient&nbsp;Uruguay

Nahitan Nandez wasted a good chance, shooting straight at Dominguez but Suarez put the game to bed a minute before the break, stealing in at the back post to poke home a flick-on from Martin Caceres.

With the game all but over as a contest, the second half was a damp squib of an affair.

Uruguay&nbsp;had the ball in the net soon after the restart but Cavani was offside again.

Ecuador showed plenty of commitment, continuing to rough up&nbsp;Uruguay's more technical players, but never looked like they believed they would get anything out of the game.

Uruguay&nbsp;looked content to play a patient possession game without pushing for more goals.

Cavani did send Suarez scampering in on goal after a defensive mistake but Dominguez was quickly off his line to snatch the ball off the Barcelona forward's toes.

The fourth came in calamitous fashion as Gaston Pereiro tried to pick out Suarez from Cavani's cross even though he was only six yards from goal.

His header dropped to Ecuador center-half Mina, who inadvertently volleyed into his own goal.

"The important thing was that the team won and now we'll prepare for the next match," against Japan on Thursday, said Suarez, who notched his 57th goal for&nbsp;Uruguay.

Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani were on target as Uruguay thumped 10-man Ecuador 4-0 in their opening Group C match at the Copa America on Sunday. Nicolas Lodeiro opened the scoring after just six minutes before Ecuador full-back Jose Quintero was dismissed for a flailing arm.

Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani were on target as Uruguay thumped 10-man Ecuador 4-0 in their opening Group C match at the Copa America on Sunday. Nicolas Lodeiro opened the scoring after just six minutes before Ecuador full-back Jose Quintero was dismissed for a flailing arm. With a numerical advantage, Uruguay ran riot at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte as Cavani and Suarez netted before the break. The rout was completed 12 minutes from time with an Arturo Mina own goal. "We had chances in the first half, we managed to take them and that gave us the tranquility to manage the game," said Cavani, who finally scored his first Copa America goal in his fourth participation. "It was an important step." It was the ideal beginning for Uruguay in a tough Group C alongside champions Chile and guests Japan, who meet on Monday in Sao Paulo. "We're not as bad as that," lamented Ecuador's Colombian coach Hernan Dario Gomez. "It was a match that got away from us, especially in the first half when it got away from us in every aspect." Uruguay were off to a dream start. Suarez crossed from the right and Lodeiro proved the coolest customer in the Mineirao stadium as he beat one defender with his chest control, flicked the ball over another and then hit a crisp, low volley into the bottom far corner. "We knew they would be very tough opponents. The important thing was start the game with maximum concentration and we managed that," said Cavani. Uruguay were rampant and had the ball in the net soon afterwards only for Cavani to be given offside in the build-up. Ecuador brought a physicality to the contest that upset the Uruguayan players and Quintero was perhaps lucky to escape punishment when catching Diego Laxalt with an elbow in an aerial challenge. But moments later, his arm made contact with Lodeiro's face when challenging for another header, this time drawing blood. Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco -- whose bulging arm muscles put even Ecuador's strapping players to shame -- initially showed the full-back a yellow card but after consulting VAR he changed that to red. That left Ecuador with a mountain to climb. On 27 minutes, Alexander Dominguez made a brilliant low save to turn behind Cavani's half-volley from 15 yards. Paris Saint-Germain forward Cavani was denied again when Dominguez stunningly tipped his clever back-flick onto the post one-handed. But it was third time lucky on 33 minutes as Diego Godin headed the ball into the danger area and Cavani acrobatically rasped a bicycle kick from seven yards past a helpless Dominguez, his 47th international goal. Patient Uruguay Nahitan Nandez wasted a good chance, shooting straight at Dominguez but Suarez put the game to bed a minute before the break, stealing in at the back post to poke home a flick-on from Martin Caceres. With the game all but over as a contest, the second half was a damp squib of an affair. Uruguay had the ball in the net soon after the restart but Cavani was offside again. Ecuador showed plenty of commitment, continuing to rough up Uruguay's more technical players, but never looked like they believed they would get anything out of the game. Uruguay looked content to play a patient possession game without pushing for more goals. Cavani did send Suarez scampering in on goal after a defensive mistake but Dominguez was quickly off his line to snatch the ball off the Barcelona forward's toes. The fourth came in calamitous fashion as Gaston Pereiro tried to pick out Suarez from Cavani's cross even though he was only six yards from goal. His header dropped to Ecuador center-half Mina, who inadvertently volleyed into his own goal. "The important thing was that the team won and now we'll prepare for the next match," against Japan on Thursday, said Suarez, who notched his 57th goal for Uruguay.

Copa America: Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani score as Uruguay crush 10-man Ecuador

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-julian-assange-arrested-in-london-209761">WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange</a> has been sentenced to 50 weeks in jail by the London court for breaching a court order seven years ago, when he took refuge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-says-hit-by-40-million-cyber-attacks-since-julian-assange-arrest-210761">Ecuador's London embassy</a> to avoid extradition to Sweden.

The Australian whistleblower, who was arrested on April 11 after Ecuador gave him up, raised a clenched fist as he arrived in a prison van at Southwark Crown Court.

A handful of supporters held up placards saying "Free Julian Assange" ahead of the hearing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/assange-may-have-been-victim-of-espionage-in-embassy-lawyers-213956">Assange </a>fled to Ecuador's embassy in 2012 after a British judge ordered his extradition to face Swedish allegations of sexual assault and rape, which he strongly denied.

He claimed the allegations were a pretext to transfer him to the United States, where he feared prosecution over the release by WikiLeaks of millions of classified documents.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-transparency-icon-or-enemy-of-the-state-209557">Julian Assange: Transparency icon or enemy of the state?</a>

There is no longer an active investigation in Sweden and the extradition request has lapsed.

However, the 47-year-old is facing a US extradition request, which was only revealed following his dramatic arrest, when he was dragged shouting from the embassy by police.

US hearing on Thursday

The biggest concern for his lawyers is the US extradition request. An initial hearing in the case is set for this Thursday.

The US indictment charges him with "conspiracy" for working with former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to crack a password stored on Department of Defence computers in March 2010.

Manning passed hundreds of thousands of classified documents to WikiLeaks, exposing US military wrongdoing in the Iraq war and diplomatic secrets about scores of countries around the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuadors-president-says-assange-tried-to-use-its-embassy-to-spy-210565">Assange</a> could face up to five years in jail if found guilty, although his team is fighting his extradition and the process could take years.

The charge has raised serious concerns among organisations advocating free speech, including politicians such as British opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

WikiLeaks is also back in the news in the United States, over its alleged role in the leak of Hillary Clinton's emails in 2016 US presidential election.

The Swedish claims against Assange date back to 2010, when he was at the centre of a global storm over WikiLeaks' exposures.

The sexual assault claim expired in 2015, but while the rape claim was dropped in 2017, the alleged victim wants the case reopened.

If Stockholm makes a formal extradition request, Britain must decide whether to consider it before or after that of the United States.

A group of British lawmakers have urged the Swedish case to take precedence, saying the rights of the alleged victims must not be lost in the political row.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been sentenced to 50 weeks in jail by the London court for breaching a court order seven years ago, when he took refuge in Ecuador's London embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been sentenced to 50 weeks in jail by the London court for breaching a court order seven years ago, when he took refuge in Ecuador's London embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden. The Australian whistleblower, who was arrested on April 11 after Ecuador gave him up, raised a clenched fist as he arrived in a prison van at Southwark Crown Court. A handful of supporters held up placards saying "Free Julian Assange" ahead of the hearing. Assange fled to Ecuador's embassy in 2012 after a British judge ordered his extradition to face Swedish allegations of sexual assault and rape, which he strongly denied. He claimed the allegations were a pretext to transfer him to the United States, where he feared prosecution over the release by WikiLeaks of millions of classified documents. Also read: Julian Assange: Transparency icon or enemy of the state? There is no longer an active investigation in Sweden and the extradition request has lapsed. However, the 47-year-old is facing a US extradition request, which was only revealed following his dramatic arrest, when he was dragged shouting from the embassy by police. US hearing on Thursday The biggest concern for his lawyers is the US extradition request. An initial hearing in the case is set for this Thursday. The US indictment charges him with "conspiracy" for working with former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to crack a password stored on Department of Defence computers in March 2010. Manning passed hundreds of thousands of classified documents to WikiLeaks, exposing US military wrongdoing in the Iraq war and diplomatic secrets about scores of countries around the world. Assange could face up to five years in jail if found guilty, although his team is fighting his extradition and the process could take years. The charge has raised serious concerns among organisations advocating free speech, including politicians such as British opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. WikiLeaks is also back in the news in the United States, over its alleged role in the leak of Hillary Clinton's emails in 2016 US presidential election. The Swedish claims against Assange date back to 2010, when he was at the centre of a global storm over WikiLeaks' exposures. The sexual assault claim expired in 2015, but while the rape claim was dropped in 2017, the alleged victim wants the case reopened. If Stockholm makes a formal extradition request, Britain must decide whether to consider it before or after that of the United States. A group of British lawmakers have urged the Swedish case to take precedence, saying the rights of the alleged victims must not be lost in the political row.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange sentenced to 50 weeks in jail

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-julian-assange-arrested-in-london-209761">WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange</a> faces sentencing in London on Wednesday for breaching his bail conditions, the whistleblowing site and a court official said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/assange-may-have-been-victim-of-espionage-in-embassy-lawyers-213956">Assange</a> could face a 12-month prison sentence for the violation, although time already served in prison may be taken into account.

The 47-year-old, who was arrested earlier this month after spending seven years holed up in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-says-hit-by-40-million-cyber-attacks-since-julian-assange-arrest-210761">Ecuadoran embassy in London</a>, is due to appear in person at Southwark Crown Court for the hearing, a court official said.

Assange, who took refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden on rape accusations, was arrested on April 11 after Quito <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-president-defends-assange-asylum-withdrawal-210458">terminated his asylum</a>.

WikiLeaks exposed everything from US military secrets to tax evasion by the wealthy.

He is also wanted for computer hacking in the United States and faces an initial extradition hearing on Thursday, although the process could last for months or even years. 
&nbsp;

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange faces sentencing in London on Wednesday for breaching his bail conditions, the whistleblowing site and a court official said. Assange could face a 12-month prison sentence for the violation, although time already served in prison may be taken into account.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange faces sentencing in London on Wednesday for breaching his bail conditions, the whistleblowing site and a court official said. Assange could face a 12-month prison sentence for the violation, although time already served in prison may be taken into account. The 47-year-old, who was arrested earlier this month after spending seven years holed up in the Ecuadoran embassy in London, is due to appear in person at Southwark Crown Court for the hearing, a court official said. Assange, who took refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden on rape accusations, was arrested on April 11 after Quito terminated his asylum. WikiLeaks exposed everything from US military secrets to tax evasion by the wealthy. He is also wanted for computer hacking in the United States and faces an initial extradition hearing on Thursday, although the process could last for months or even years.

Julian Assange to be sentenced for UK bail violation on Wednesday

A judge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-says-hit-by-40-million-cyber-attacks-since-julian-assange-arrest-210761">Ecuador </a>has ordered former foreign minister Ricardo Patino be held in pre-trial detention on a so-called instigation charge, the attorney general`s office said on Thursday, but the ex-official`s whereabouts are unknown.

The administration of President Lenin Moreno has said that Patino, who served as foreign minister under the previous government of President Rafael Correa, is connected to WikiLeaks.

Moreno stripped WikiLeaks founder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-held-in-london-jail-ahead-of-long-legal-fight-209853">Julian Assange </a>of his diplomatic asylum last week. Assange was given refuge in the London embassy in 2012 by Correa, but Moreno has accused WikiLeaks and Assange of violating his privacy by publishing private family photographs.&nbsp;

WikiLeaks has denied those allegations, arguing that Moreno was attempting to deflect attention from corruption allegations against him.

Patino, an economist who called on supporters to carry out "combative resistance" against Moreno in October 2018, fled the country by road on Wednesday, the attorney general`s office said in a statement.

"The attorney general`s office began a criminal process against Ricardo Patino for the alleged crime of instigation," the office said. "(Patino) had given a speech in which he instigated people to take over public institutions and close roads."

"The judge accepted the request of the attorney general`s office, ordered pre-trial detention and asked for the release of an Interpol red notice," the office said.

It was not possible to reach Patino immediately for comment. He has previously denied the allegations.

Patino is also under investigation for having supposed ties to alleged Swedish hacker Ola Bini, who was arrested last week, the attorney general`s office has said.

The government alleges that Patino and Bini have taken similarly timed trips out of the country and that they visited Assange when he was living in the Ecuadorean embassy in London. The interior minister has said Patino is part of a plan to "destabilize" the government. 
&nbsp;

A judge in Ecuador has ordered former foreign minister Ricardo Patino be held in pre-trial detention on a so-called instigation charge, the attorney general`s office said on Thursday, but the ex-official`s whereabouts are unknown.

A judge in Ecuador has ordered former foreign minister Ricardo Patino be held in pre-trial detention on a so-called instigation charge, the attorney general`s office said on Thursday, but the ex-official`s whereabouts are unknown. The administration of President Lenin Moreno has said that Patino, who served as foreign minister under the previous government of President Rafael Correa, is connected to WikiLeaks. Moreno stripped WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange of his diplomatic asylum last week. Assange was given refuge in the London embassy in 2012 by Correa, but Moreno has accused WikiLeaks and Assange of violating his privacy by publishing private family photographs. WikiLeaks has denied those allegations, arguing that Moreno was attempting to deflect attention from corruption allegations against him. Patino, an economist who called on supporters to carry out "combative resistance" against Moreno in October 2018, fled the country by road on Wednesday, the attorney general`s office said in a statement. "The attorney general`s office began a criminal process against Ricardo Patino for the alleged crime of instigation," the office said. "(Patino) had given a speech in which he instigated people to take over public institutions and close roads." "The judge accepted the request of the attorney general`s office, ordered pre-trial detention and asked for the release of an Interpol red notice," the office said. It was not possible to reach Patino immediately for comment. He has previously denied the allegations. Patino is also under investigation for having supposed ties to alleged Swedish hacker Ola Bini, who was arrested last week, the attorney general`s office has said. The government alleges that Patino and Bini have taken similarly timed trips out of the country and that they visited Assange when he was living in the Ecuadorean embassy in London. The interior minister has said Patino is part of a plan to "destabilize" the government.

Ecuador judge orders detention for ex-minister connected to Assange

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - 17th April 2019

Ecuador said on Monday it has suffered 40 million cyber attacks on the webpages of public institutions since stripping <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/looking-for-america-is-julian-assange-heading-to-the-united-states-210655">Wikileaks founder Julian Assange</a> of political asylum.

Patricio Real, Ecuador's deputy minister for information and communication technologies, said the attacks, which began on Thursday, had "principally come from the United States, Brazil, Holland, Germany, Romania, France, Austria and the United Kingdom," as well as from the South American country itself.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuadors-president-says-assange-tried-to-use-its-embassy-to-spy-210565">Assange was arrested and carried out of Ecuador's embassy in London</a> on Thursday after President Lenin Moreno removed his diplomatic protection following seven years of self-imposed exile in the building.

Moreno accused Assange of interfering in the "processes of other states" and "spying."

As well as overturning Assange's asylum status, Ecuador stripped him of the nationality he was given in 2017 under the government of Moreno's predecessor Rafael Correa.

Javier Jara, the undersecretary of the electronic government department of the telecommunications ministry, said the country had suffered "volumetric attacks" that blocked access to the internet following "threats from those groups linked to Julian Assange."

Hardest-hit were the foreign ministry, the central bank, the president's office, the internal revenue service, and several ministries and universities.

However, none of those institutions reported either the theft of information or the elimination of data.

Ecuador said on Monday it has suffered 40 million cyber attacks on the webpages of public institutions since stripping Wikileaks founder Julian Assange of political asylum.

Ecuador said on Monday it has suffered 40 million cyber attacks on the webpages of public institutions since stripping Wikileaks founder Julian Assange of political asylum. Patricio Real, Ecuador's deputy minister for information and communication technologies, said the attacks, which began on Thursday, had "principally come from the United States, Brazil, Holland, Germany, Romania, France, Austria and the United Kingdom," as well as from the South American country itself. Assange was arrested and carried out of Ecuador's embassy in London on Thursday after President Lenin Moreno removed his diplomatic protection following seven years of self-imposed exile in the building. Moreno accused Assange of interfering in the "processes of other states" and "spying." As well as overturning Assange's asylum status, Ecuador stripped him of the nationality he was given in 2017 under the government of Moreno's predecessor Rafael Correa. Javier Jara, the undersecretary of the electronic government department of the telecommunications ministry, said the country had suffered "volumetric attacks" that blocked access to the internet following "threats from those groups linked to Julian Assange." Hardest-hit were the foreign ministry, the central bank, the president's office, the internal revenue service, and several ministries and universities. However, none of those institutions reported either the theft of information or the elimination of data.

Ecuador says hit by 40 million cyber attacks since Julian Assange arrest

Ecuadoran President Lenin Moreno on Sunday defended his decision to overturn <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-to-fight-us-extradition-request-lawyer-209644&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjRhYiMn9HhAhX-6XMBHYZ3BvIQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw00M472aQqGuZPH6OXwarqE">Julian Assange</a>'s asylum status, claiming in an interview with the Guardian newspaper that the WikiLeaks founder had tried to set up a "centre for spying" in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-being-spied-upon-at-ecuador-embassy-wikileaks-209435&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjRhYiMn9HhAhX-6XMBHYZ3BvIQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2HaDy3S2x4IaUaaPY5JQ-P">Ecuador</a>'s London embassy.

"It is unfortunate that, from our territory and with the permission of authorities of the previous government, facilities have been provided within the Ecuadoran embassy in London to interfere in processes of other states," Moreno said.

"We cannot allow our house, the house that opened its doors, to become a centre for spying," added Moreno, who was elected in 2017.

"Our decision is not arbitrary but is based on international law," he said.

The WikiLeaks founder is in custody in London awaiting sentencing for breaching his British bail conditions in 2012 by seeking refuge in the Ecuadoran embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden.

Earlier Sunday,&nbsp;Assange's lawyer said his client would cooperate with Swedish authorities if they reopen a rape case against him but would continue to resist any bid to extradite him to the United States.

"We are absolutely happy to answer those queries if and when they come up," Jennifer Robinson told Sky News television about the rape claims.

"The key issue at the moment is US extradition, which we have warned about for many years," she added.

Assange&nbsp;was arrested at the embassy on Thursday after Ecuador gave him up, and is now also fighting a US extradition warrant relating to the release by WikiLeaks of a huge cache of official documents.

The Australian has always denied the claims of sexual assault and rape in Sweden. The first expired in 2015 and the other was dropped in 2017, but the alleged rape victim has now asked for the case to be reopened.

If Stockholm makes a formal extradition request, the British government will have to decide whether to consider it before or after that of the United States.

Robinson said&nbsp;Assange would seek assurances from Sweden that he would not be sent on to America, saying: "That is the same assurance we were seeking in 2010 and the refusal to give that is why he sought asylum."

'Not above the law'&nbsp;

She added: "He's not above the law.&nbsp;Julian&nbsp;has never been concerned about facing British justice or indeed Swedish justice.&nbsp;This case is and has always been about his concern about being sent to face American injustice."

The US indictment charges&nbsp;Assange with "conspiracy", alleging that he worked with former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to crack a password stored on Department of Defence computers in March 2010.

He faces up to five years in jail.

Also Sunday, WikiLeaks said Australian Consul Clare West would visit the Ecuadoran embassy on Monday to request that the mission hand over&nbsp;Assange's belongings.

West met with&nbsp;Assange&nbsp;in prison on Friday.

Two left-wing German lawmakers, Heike Hansel and Sevim Dagdelen, along with&nbsp;Spanish MEP Ana Miranda were expected in London on Monday when they were originally set to meet&nbsp;Assange&nbsp;at the embassy.

Instead, they will hold a news conference outside the Belmarsh prison where&nbsp;Assange&nbsp;is being held, the German party Die Linke and WikiLeaks said.&nbsp;

Manning passed hundreds of thousands of classified documents to WikiLeaks, exposing US military wrongdoing in the Iraq war and diplomatic secrets about scores of countries around the world.

The conspiracy charge against Assange&nbsp;seems intended to sidestep limits on prosecution potentially arising from the US Constitution's First Amendment guarantee of press freedom.

But Robinson insisted: "This indictment clearly engages newsgathering activities and the kinds of communications that journalists have with sources all the time."

The lawyer condemned as "outrageous" claims made by Ecuador about&nbsp;Assange's behaviour in the embassy, including that he smeared his faeces on the wall, saying: "That's not true."

In the Guardian interview, Moreno charged that Assange&nbsp;"mistreated our officials (and) started to make legal threats even against who was helping him."

Assange's father, John Shipton, on Sunday urged Australia to bring his son home.

Ecuadoran President Lenin Moreno on Sunday defended his decision to overturn Julian Assange's asylum status, claiming in an interview with the Guardian newspaper that the WikiLeaks founder had tried to set up a "centre for spying" in Ecuador's London embassy.

Ecuadoran President Lenin Moreno on Sunday defended his decision to overturn Julian Assange's asylum status, claiming in an interview with the Guardian newspaper that the WikiLeaks founder had tried to set up a "centre for spying" in Ecuador's London embassy. "It is unfortunate that, from our territory and with the permission of authorities of the previous government, facilities have been provided within the Ecuadoran embassy in London to interfere in processes of other states," Moreno said. "We cannot allow our house, the house that opened its doors, to become a centre for spying," added Moreno, who was elected in 2017. "Our decision is not arbitrary but is based on international law," he said. The WikiLeaks founder is in custody in London awaiting sentencing for breaching his British bail conditions in 2012 by seeking refuge in the Ecuadoran embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden. Earlier Sunday, Assange's lawyer said his client would cooperate with Swedish authorities if they reopen a rape case against him but would continue to resist any bid to extradite him to the United States. "We are absolutely happy to answer those queries if and when they come up," Jennifer Robinson told Sky News television about the rape claims. "The key issue at the moment is US extradition, which we have warned about for many years," she added. Assange was arrested at the embassy on Thursday after Ecuador gave him up, and is now also fighting a US extradition warrant relating to the release by WikiLeaks of a huge cache of official documents. The Australian has always denied the claims of sexual assault and rape in Sweden. The first expired in 2015 and the other was dropped in 2017, but the alleged rape victim has now asked for the case to be reopened. If Stockholm makes a formal extradition request, the British government will have to decide whether to consider it before or after that of the United States. Robinson said Assange would seek assurances from Sweden that he would not be sent on to America, saying: "That is the same assurance we were seeking in 2010 and the refusal to give that is why he sought asylum." 'Not above the law' She added: "He's not above the law. Julian has never been concerned about facing British justice or indeed Swedish justice. This case is and has always been about his concern about being sent to face American injustice." The US indictment charges Assange with "conspiracy", alleging that he worked with former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to crack a password stored on Department of Defence computers in March 2010. He faces up to five years in jail. Also Sunday, WikiLeaks said Australian Consul Clare West would visit the Ecuadoran embassy on Monday to request that the mission hand over Assange's belongings. West met with Assange in prison on Friday. Two left-wing German lawmakers, Heike Hansel and Sevim Dagdelen, along with Spanish MEP Ana Miranda were expected in London on Monday when they were originally set to meet Assange at the embassy. Instead, they will hold a news conference outside the Belmarsh prison where Assange is being held, the German party Die Linke and WikiLeaks said. Manning passed hundreds of thousands of classified documents to WikiLeaks, exposing US military wrongdoing in the Iraq war and diplomatic secrets about scores of countries around the world. The conspiracy charge against Assange seems intended to sidestep limits on prosecution potentially arising from the US Constitution's First Amendment guarantee of press freedom. But Robinson insisted: "This indictment clearly engages newsgathering activities and the kinds of communications that journalists have with sources all the time." The lawyer condemned as "outrageous" claims made by Ecuador about Assange's behaviour in the embassy, including that he smeared his faeces on the wall, saying: "That's not true." In the Guardian interview, Moreno charged that Assange "mistreated our officials (and) started to make legal threats even against who was helping him." Assange's father, John Shipton, on Sunday urged Australia to bring his son home.

Ecuador president defends Julian Assange asylum withdrawal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-president-defends-assange-asylum-withdrawal-210458">WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange</a> repeatedly violated his asylum conditions and tried to use the Ecuadorian embassy in London as a centre for spying, Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno told Britain's Guardian newspaper.

London police dragged Assange out of the embassy on Thursday after his seven-year asylum was revoked, paving the way for his extradition to the United States for one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information.

Assange's relationship with his hosts collapsed after Ecuador accused him of leaking information about Moreno's personal life.

Moreno denied to the Guardian that he had acted as a reprisal for the way in which documents about his family had been leaked. He said he regretted that Assange had used the embassy to interfere in other country’s democracies.

"Any attempt to destabilise is a reprehensible act for Ecuador, because we are a sovereign nation and respectful of the politics of each country," Moreno told the Guardian by email.

"We cannot allow our house, the house that opened its doors, to become a centre for spying,” the Guardian quoted Moreno as saying.

Supporters of Assange said Ecuador had betrayed him at the behest of Washington, that the ending of his asylum was illegal and that it marked a dark moment for press freedom.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange repeatedly violated his asylum conditions and tried to use the Ecuadorian embassy in London as a centre for spying, Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno told Britain's Guardian newspaper.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange repeatedly violated his asylum conditions and tried to use the Ecuadorian embassy in London as a centre for spying, Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno told Britain's Guardian newspaper. London police dragged Assange out of the embassy on Thursday after his seven-year asylum was revoked, paving the way for his extradition to the United States for one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information. Assange's relationship with his hosts collapsed after Ecuador accused him of leaking information about Moreno's personal life. Moreno denied to the Guardian that he had acted as a reprisal for the way in which documents about his family had been leaked. He said he regretted that Assange had used the embassy to interfere in other country’s democracies. "Any attempt to destabilise is a reprehensible act for Ecuador, because we are a sovereign nation and respectful of the politics of each country," Moreno told the Guardian by email. "We cannot allow our house, the house that opened its doors, to become a centre for spying,” the Guardian quoted Moreno as saying. Supporters of Assange said Ecuador had betrayed him at the behest of Washington, that the ending of his asylum was illegal and that it marked a dark moment for press freedom.

Ecuador's president says Assange tried to use its embassy to spy

A total of 729 people were displaced over four days in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-condemns-alleged-plot-to-kill-president-187398&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwidp729is3hAhUL448KHUwlBNkQFggEMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0l5SQBBwRnW6VPkmZF-rmZ">Colombia</a>'s Narino department bordering <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-aide-arrested-trying-to-leave-ecuador-official-209726&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjjn-nfis3hAhVEqo8KHYdKCbQQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Ks4G26ow1IJqETnQgvQVr">Ecuador</a> earlier in the month due to clashes between unidentified armed groups, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Friday.&nbsp;

In a statement, OCHA said that 257 families from the town of La Guayacana and three villages in Tumaco municipality were forced to flee their homes during April&nbsp;3-7.

The displaced, belonging to indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, have taken shelter in the homes of relatives and friends while some of them are on roads or in other neighbourhoods of Tumaco, the region with the highest number of coca plantations in Colombia.

The UN organization has called for the protection of these communities, saying "the presence, action and constant confrontations between unidentified armed groups" makes it likely there will be further displacements.

It also pointed out the possibility of "restrictions on movement, selective killings, threats, forced recruitment and anti-personnel mine accidents."

The OCHA also said that some of the displaced are being "revictimized" after suffering massive displacement and restrictions on their mobility in January.

Other requirements to mitigate the damages are food security and nutrition as the affected communities are facing difficulties in accessing their livelihoods, products made from food crops (for their own use), and a generation of economic resources, according to the UN agency.

The statement added that the communities also have a need for psychosocial attention.

To tackle the emergency, the OCHA is setting up a comprehensive care unit in collaboration with the Narino Local Coordinating Team to deliver food, hygiene kits and medical assistance.

The Mayor's Office of Tumaco is also monitoring the situation, gathering information and conducting censuses of the affected population.

Tumaco is one of the most troubled parts of Colombia, where dissidents of the former guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN) and criminal gangs try to establish their dominance.

In January, the OCHA had reported that at least 700 people in this municipality were forced to abandon their homes in rural areas, also due to clashes between armed groups.

A total of 729 people were displaced over four days in Colombia's Narino department bordering Ecuador earlier in the month due to clashes between unidentified armed groups, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Friday.

A total of 729 people were displaced over four days in Colombia's Narino department bordering Ecuador earlier in the month due to clashes between unidentified armed groups, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Friday. In a statement, OCHA said that 257 families from the town of La Guayacana and three villages in Tumaco municipality were forced to flee their homes during April 3-7. The displaced, belonging to indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, have taken shelter in the homes of relatives and friends while some of them are on roads or in other neighbourhoods of Tumaco, the region with the highest number of coca plantations in Colombia. The UN organization has called for the protection of these communities, saying "the presence, action and constant confrontations between unidentified armed groups" makes it likely there will be further displacements. It also pointed out the possibility of "restrictions on movement, selective killings, threats, forced recruitment and anti-personnel mine accidents." The OCHA also said that some of the displaced are being "revictimized" after suffering massive displacement and restrictions on their mobility in January. Other requirements to mitigate the damages are food security and nutrition as the affected communities are facing difficulties in accessing their livelihoods, products made from food crops (for their own use), and a generation of economic resources, according to the UN agency. The statement added that the communities also have a need for psychosocial attention. To tackle the emergency, the OCHA is setting up a comprehensive care unit in collaboration with the Narino Local Coordinating Team to deliver food, hygiene kits and medical assistance. The Mayor's Office of Tumaco is also monitoring the situation, gathering information and conducting censuses of the affected population. Tumaco is one of the most troubled parts of Colombia, where dissidents of the former guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN) and criminal gangs try to establish their dominance. In January, the OCHA had reported that at least 700 people in this municipality were forced to abandon their homes in rural areas, also due to clashes between armed groups.

Over 700 displaced in four days due to clashes in southwest Colombia

More than 70 British lawmakers have urged their government to prioritise any extradition bid Sweden might make for WikiLeaks founder <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-to-fight-us-extradition-request-lawyer-209644&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiMp7OU_czhAhVEvo8KHc1PAawQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2nC2jSy7ub-wNMc--ZIwI1">Julian Assange</a>, who is also wanted in the United States.

Assange was arrested on Thursday at<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-being-spied-upon-at-ecuador-embassy-wikileaks-209435&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiMp7OU_czhAhVEvo8KHc1PAawQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3m-J-BqfblGOcZZkMc5gQc"> Ecuador</a>'s London embassy on allegations of skipping bail and on a US extradition warrant related to a huge leak of official documents.

He had sought refuge in the embassy in 2012 while on bail awaiting extradition to Sweden for allegations of sexual assault and rape, which he always denied.

In the letter, the MPs and peers urge British Home Secretary Sajid Javid to "give every assistance to Sweden should they want to revive and pursue the investigation".

British law states that if Sweden does make an extradition request, it would be up to Javid to decide which should take precedence.

"We must send a strong message of the priority the UK has in tackling sexual violence and the seriousness with which such allegations are viewed," the letter says.

The sexual assault claim expired in 2015 and Swedish prosecutors dropped a preliminary investigation into the rape allegation in 2017, arguing that since Assange could not be reached, they could not proceed.

Following his arrest, however, the alleged rape victim asked that her case now is reopened -- but the limitation period on this claim expires in August 2020.

"We do not presume guilt, of course, but we believe due process should be followed and the complainant should see justice be done," the letter says.

The MPs and peers add that it is "of grave concern to us" that the Swedish authorities did not appear to have prior warning of Assange's arrest, unlike the US authorities.

The letter was also copied to Diane Abbott, the home affairs spokeswoman for the main opposition Labour party.

'Fight it hard'

Abbott said: "Assange skipping bail in the UK, or any rape charge that may be brought by Swedish authorities shouldn't be ignored.&nbsp;

"But the only extradition request is from the USA because he's a whistle-blower on atrocities caused by US military ops. This extradition would be wrong so we oppose it."

Assange is currently being held at the high-security Belmarsh jail in southeast London.

The 47-year-old Australian claims the Swedish cases against him were politically motivated, linked to the leak in 2010 of a huge number of US military and diplomatic documents.

He sought refuge with Ecuador, claiming that his extradition to Sweden was a pretext for his transfer to the United States.

But Ecuador withdrew his asylum status and allowed British police into the embassy on Thursday to arrest the white-bearded Assange.

He appeared in court a few hours later and was found guilty of breaching his bail terms back in 2012. He could be jailed for up to a year when he is sentenced at a later date.

The separate extradition case on US charges of computer hacking is set for May 2, although the United States has until June 12 to submit full extradition papers.

Assange's London lawyer Jennifer Robinson said: "He's obviously going to fight extradition and fight it hard."

More than 70 British lawmakers have urged their government to prioritise any extradition bid Sweden might make for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is also wanted in the United States.

More than 70 British lawmakers have urged their government to prioritise any extradition bid Sweden might make for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is also wanted in the United States. Assange was arrested on Thursday at Ecuador's London embassy on allegations of skipping bail and on a US extradition warrant related to a huge leak of official documents. He had sought refuge in the embassy in 2012 while on bail awaiting extradition to Sweden for allegations of sexual assault and rape, which he always denied. In the letter, the MPs and peers urge British Home Secretary Sajid Javid to "give every assistance to Sweden should they want to revive and pursue the investigation". British law states that if Sweden does make an extradition request, it would be up to Javid to decide which should take precedence. "We must send a strong message of the priority the UK has in tackling sexual violence and the seriousness with which such allegations are viewed," the letter says. The sexual assault claim expired in 2015 and Swedish prosecutors dropped a preliminary investigation into the rape allegation in 2017, arguing that since Assange could not be reached, they could not proceed. Following his arrest, however, the alleged rape victim asked that her case now is reopened -- but the limitation period on this claim expires in August 2020. "We do not presume guilt, of course, but we believe due process should be followed and the complainant should see justice be done," the letter says. The MPs and peers add that it is "of grave concern to us" that the Swedish authorities did not appear to have prior warning of Assange's arrest, unlike the US authorities. The letter was also copied to Diane Abbott, the home affairs spokeswoman for the main opposition Labour party. 'Fight it hard' Abbott said: "Assange skipping bail in the UK, or any rape charge that may be brought by Swedish authorities shouldn't be ignored. "But the only extradition request is from the USA because he's a whistle-blower on atrocities caused by US military ops. This extradition would be wrong so we oppose it." Assange is currently being held at the high-security Belmarsh jail in southeast London. The 47-year-old Australian claims the Swedish cases against him were politically motivated, linked to the leak in 2010 of a huge number of US military and diplomatic documents. He sought refuge with Ecuador, claiming that his extradition to Sweden was a pretext for his transfer to the United States. But Ecuador withdrew his asylum status and allowed British police into the embassy on Thursday to arrest the white-bearded Assange. He appeared in court a few hours later and was found guilty of breaching his bail terms back in 2012. He could be jailed for up to a year when he is sentenced at a later date. The separate extradition case on US charges of computer hacking is set for May 2, although the United States has until June 12 to submit full extradition papers. Assange's London lawyer Jennifer Robinson said: "He's obviously going to fight extradition and fight it hard."

British lawmakers urge government to cooperate with Sweden in Assange case

A collaborator of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-to-fight-us-extradition-request-lawyer-209644">WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was arrested</a> Thursday in Ecuador while trying to flee to Japan, the South American country's interior minister said.

Maria Paula Romo did not identify the person but told Sonorama radio he was very close to Assange, who was arrested Thursday in London on a US extradition request after spending seven years in the Ecuadoran embassy there.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-transparency-icon-or-enemy-of-the-state-209557">Julian Assange, Transparency icon or enemy of the state?</a>

Channel Teleamazonas identified him as Ola Bini, a software developer focused on privacy, security and cryptography, but did not name its source.

Earlier Thursday, the minister had linked the collaborator with alleged attempts to destabilize the government of President Lenin Moreno.&nbsp;

He "has been detained simply for investigation purposes," she said, adding he had taken foreign trips with former Ecuadoran foreign minister Ricardo Patino, who gave political asylum to Assange in 2012.&nbsp;

"We have sufficient evidence that he was collaborating in attempts to destabilize the government," she said.

Romo's announcement followed the arrest of Assange earlier Thursday.

British police moved in after Ecuador pulled its asylum for Assange and cancelled his citizenship, granted in 2012.&nbsp;

He had been living in the embassy, fearing arrest, but the Ecuadoran government says that Assange "repeatedly violated" the conditions of his protection.

The US Justice Department said Assange was being charged with a computer hacking conspiracy relating to his work with former US intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in March 2010.

A collaborator of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was arrested Thursday in Ecuador while trying to flee to Japan, the South American country's interior minister said.

A collaborator of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was arrested Thursday in Ecuador while trying to flee to Japan, the South American country's interior minister said. Maria Paula Romo did not identify the person but told Sonorama radio he was very close to Assange, who was arrested Thursday in London on a US extradition request after spending seven years in the Ecuadoran embassy there. Also read: Julian Assange, Transparency icon or enemy of the state? Channel Teleamazonas identified him as Ola Bini, a software developer focused on privacy, security and cryptography, but did not name its source. Earlier Thursday, the minister had linked the collaborator with alleged attempts to destabilize the government of President Lenin Moreno. He "has been detained simply for investigation purposes," she said, adding he had taken foreign trips with former Ecuadoran foreign minister Ricardo Patino, who gave political asylum to Assange in 2012. "We have sufficient evidence that he was collaborating in attempts to destabilize the government," she said. Romo's announcement followed the arrest of Assange earlier Thursday. British police moved in after Ecuador pulled its asylum for Assange and cancelled his citizenship, granted in 2012. He had been living in the embassy, fearing arrest, but the Ecuadoran government says that Assange "repeatedly violated" the conditions of his protection. The US Justice Department said Assange was being charged with a computer hacking conspiracy relating to his work with former US intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in March 2010.

Julian Assange aide arrested trying to leave Ecuador: Official

WikiLeaks accused Ecuador on Thursday of "illegally" withdrawing asylum for its founder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wikileaks-julian-assange-has-been-arrested-uk-police-209546">Julian Assange </a>and said Ecuador's ambassador to London had invited British police into the building to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/timeline-of-wikileaks-founder-julian-assanges-arrest-209547">arrest </a>him.

"Ecuador has illegally terminated Assange's political asylum in violation of international law," the site said on Twitter, adding that the ambassador "invited British police into the embassy and he was immediately arrested".

Wikileaks founder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/timeline-of-wikileaks-founder-julian-assanges-arrest-209547">Julian Assange</a>&nbsp;has been arrested in London after being evicted from the Ecuadorean Embassy, British police said on Thursday.

UK police say they were invited into the Ecuadorian embassy after its government withdrew asylum.

Assange was taken into custody at a central London police station, before he’s presented at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The United States Justice Department has filed criminal charges against Assange, 47, related to the publication of classified documents, a fact that prosecutors accidentally made public in November. He also faces a charge in a British court of jumping bail.

Assange is also suspected of aiding Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election by releasing material stolen from the computers of the Clinton campaign and the Democratic Party. In July, the Justice Department charged 12 Russian intelligence officers with hacking those computers, and the indictment contends that at least one of them was in contact with WikiLeaks.

Julian Assange has been the subject of a sophisticated spying operation in the Ecuadorean embassy where he has been holed up since 2012, the group said.

Assange’s future in the embassy was called into question last year after the president of Ecuador said he would “eventually” have to leave the property and revealed that he was in discussions with British authorities to end his asylum.&nbsp;

The WikiLeaks founder was first granted asylum in 2012 in order to avoid extradition to Sweden over allegations of sexual assault.

WikiLeaks accused Ecuador on Thursday of "illegally" withdrawing asylum for its founder Julian Assange and said Ecuador's ambassador to London had invited British police into the building to arrest him.

WikiLeaks accused Ecuador on Thursday of "illegally" withdrawing asylum for its founder Julian Assange and said Ecuador's ambassador to London had invited British police into the building to arrest him. "Ecuador has illegally terminated Assange's political asylum in violation of international law," the site said on Twitter, adding that the ambassador "invited British police into the embassy and he was immediately arrested". Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has been arrested in London after being evicted from the Ecuadorean Embassy, British police said on Thursday. UK police say they were invited into the Ecuadorian embassy after its government withdrew asylum. Assange was taken into custody at a central London police station, before he’s presented at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The United States Justice Department has filed criminal charges against Assange, 47, related to the publication of classified documents, a fact that prosecutors accidentally made public in November. He also faces a charge in a British court of jumping bail. Assange is also suspected of aiding Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election by releasing material stolen from the computers of the Clinton campaign and the Democratic Party. In July, the Justice Department charged 12 Russian intelligence officers with hacking those computers, and the indictment contends that at least one of them was in contact with WikiLeaks. Julian Assange has been the subject of a sophisticated spying operation in the Ecuadorean embassy where he has been holed up since 2012, the group said. Assange’s future in the embassy was called into question last year after the president of Ecuador said he would “eventually” have to leave the property and revealed that he was in discussions with British authorities to end his asylum. The WikiLeaks founder was first granted asylum in 2012 in order to avoid extradition to Sweden over allegations of sexual assault.

Ecuador's withdrawal of asylum for Assange illegal: WikiLeaks

Ecuador's government said late on Friday that it rejected reports that it would imminently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wikileaks-assange-to-be-expelled-within-hours-to-days-british-fm-hunt-calls-him-free-man-208151">expel Wikileaks founder Julian Assange</a> from its London embassy, where he has lived in an asylum for nearly seven years.

Assange was "prepared" for expulsion from the building, a British friend of his said on Tuesday after Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno said he had "repeatedly violated" the terms of his asylum.

Moreno accused Assange of harming Ecuador's relations with other countries by intervening in their politics and said he did not have the right to "hack private accounts or phones." WikiLeaks said Moreno's remarks were in retribution for WikiLeaks having reported on corruption accusations against Moreno, who denies wrongdoing.

In a statement, Ecuador's foreign ministry denied it had reached an agreement with the British government to jail Assange if he left the embassy.

Ecuador "categorically rejects the fake news that has circulated recently on social networks, many spread by an organization linked to Mr Julian Assange, about an imminent termination of the diplomatic asylum granted to him since 2012," it said.

The ministry said it reserved the right to terminate asylum when it considered it justified.

"By releasing information that distorts the truth, (Assange) and his associates express once again their ingratitude and disrespect to Ecuador," it said.

Assange took refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid being extradited to Sweden, where authorities wanted to question him as part of a sexual assault investigation.

That probe was later dropped, but Assange fears he could be extradited to face charges in the United States, where federal prosecutors are investigating WikiLeaks.

Ecuador last year established new rules for Assange's behaviour while in the embassy, which required him to pay his medical bills and clean up after his pet cat. He challenged the rules in local and international tribunals, arguing they violated his human rights. Both courts ruled against him.

Last month, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which is linked to the Organization of American States, rejected Assange's request that Ecuador eases the conditions it has imposed on his residence in the London embassy.

Assange says Ecuador is seeking to end his asylum and is putting pressure on him by isolating him from visitors and spying on him. Ecuador has said its treatment of Assange was in line with international law, but that his situation "cannot be extended indefinitely."

Ecuador's government said late on Friday that it rejected reports that it would imminently expel Wikileaks founder Julian Assange from its London embassy, where he has lived in an asylum for nearly seven years.

Ecuador's government said late on Friday that it rejected reports that it would imminently expel Wikileaks founder Julian Assange from its London embassy, where he has lived in an asylum for nearly seven years. Assange was "prepared" for expulsion from the building, a British friend of his said on Tuesday after Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno said he had "repeatedly violated" the terms of his asylum. Moreno accused Assange of harming Ecuador's relations with other countries by intervening in their politics and said he did not have the right to "hack private accounts or phones." WikiLeaks said Moreno's remarks were in retribution for WikiLeaks having reported on corruption accusations against Moreno, who denies wrongdoing. In a statement, Ecuador's foreign ministry denied it had reached an agreement with the British government to jail Assange if he left the embassy. Ecuador "categorically rejects the fake news that has circulated recently on social networks, many spread by an organization linked to Mr Julian Assange, about an imminent termination of the diplomatic asylum granted to him since 2012," it said. The ministry said it reserved the right to terminate asylum when it considered it justified. "By releasing information that distorts the truth, (Assange) and his associates express once again their ingratitude and disrespect to Ecuador," it said. Assange took refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid being extradited to Sweden, where authorities wanted to question him as part of a sexual assault investigation. That probe was later dropped, but Assange fears he could be extradited to face charges in the United States, where federal prosecutors are investigating WikiLeaks. Ecuador last year established new rules for Assange's behaviour while in the embassy, which required him to pay his medical bills and clean up after his pet cat. He challenged the rules in local and international tribunals, arguing they violated his human rights. Both courts ruled against him. Last month, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which is linked to the Organization of American States, rejected Assange's request that Ecuador eases the conditions it has imposed on his residence in the London embassy. Assange says Ecuador is seeking to end his asylum and is putting pressure on him by isolating him from visitors and spying on him. Ecuador has said its treatment of Assange was in line with international law, but that his situation "cannot be extended indefinitely."

WikiLeaks: Ecuador denies it will imminently expel Julian Assange from embassy

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wikileaks-probe-supporters-say-manning-in-solitary-confinement-205172">WikiLeaks</a> tweets posted on Friday reported that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-confirms-wikileaks-assange-has-valid-passport-199100">WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange</a> will be expelled within "hours to days" from the Ecuador embassy and that there already exists an agreement with the United Kingdom for his arrest.&nbsp;

"A high-level source within the Ecuadorian state has told @WikiLeaks that using the #INAPapers offshore scandal as a pretext--and that it already has an agreement with the UK for his arrest," the tweet read.&nbsp;

The development comes just a few days after the Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno blamed the site for recent allegations of corruption in local outlets and the publication of family photos to social media.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" data-lang="en">
BREAKING: A high level source within the Ecuadorian state has told <a href="https://twitter.com/wikileaks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WikiLeaks</a> that Julian Assange will be expelled within "hours to days" using the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INAPapers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INAPapers</a> offshore scandal as a pretext--and that it already has an agreement with the UK for his arrest.<a href="https://t.co/adnJph79wq">https://t.co/adnJph79wq</a>
— WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/wikileaks/status/1113919962995884033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno told radio stations on Tuesday that Assange has "repeatedly violated" the terms of his asylum in the Andean nation's London embassy, where he has lived for nearly seven years, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt today called Assange "a free man" and that he can leave the Ecuadorian embassy in London whenever he wants to, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"Well Julian Assange is a free man, he can leave the embassy whenever he wants to. So, we want the situation resolved as quickly as possible," Hunt noted.&nbsp;

Assange took refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden. Assange was wanted by the Swedish authorities for a sexual assault investigation; the probe was later dropped.&nbsp;

However, Assange fears he could be extradited to face charges in the United States, where federal prosecutors are investigating WikiLeaks.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A WikiLeaks tweets posted on Friday reported that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be expelled within "hours to days" from the Ecuador embassy and that there already exists an agreement with the United Kingdom for his arrest.

A WikiLeaks tweets posted on Friday reported that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be expelled within "hours to days" from the Ecuador embassy and that there already exists an agreement with the United Kingdom for his arrest. "A high-level source within the Ecuadorian state has told @WikiLeaks that using the #INAPapers offshore scandal as a pretext--and that it already has an agreement with the UK for his arrest," the tweet read. The development comes just a few days after the Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno blamed the site for recent allegations of corruption in local outlets and the publication of family photos to social media. BREAKING: A high level source within the Ecuadorian state has told @WikiLeaks that Julian Assange will be expelled within "hours to days" using the #INAPapers offshore scandal as a pretext--and that it already has an agreement with the UK for his arrest.https://t.co/adnJph79wq — WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) April 4, 2019 × Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno told radio stations on Tuesday that Assange has "repeatedly violated" the terms of his asylum in the Andean nation's London embassy, where he has lived for nearly seven years, news agency Reuters reported. Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt today called Assange "a free man" and that he can leave the Ecuadorian embassy in London whenever he wants to, Reuters reported. "Well Julian Assange is a free man, he can leave the embassy whenever he wants to. So, we want the situation resolved as quickly as possible," Hunt noted. Assange took refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden. Assange was wanted by the Swedish authorities for a sexual assault investigation; the probe was later dropped. However, Assange fears he could be extradited to face charges in the United States, where federal prosecutors are investigating WikiLeaks. (With inputs from Reuters)

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be expelled within 'hours to days' from Ecuador embassy; arrest likely

Australia has confirmed that Julian Assange has a valid passport, a key development for the Wikileaks founder, who fears that Ecuador seeks to end his asylum in its London embassy and extradite him to the United States.

The new passport, which would allow Assange, who is in failing health, to return to Australia, was issued in September last year but remained unreported until Saturday. His previous passport had expired.

Senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on Thursday told a Senate estimates hearing that Assange had a valid passport, reiterating a statement from last October.

Senator Rex Patrick of minority party Centre Alliance, who has taken up Assange's cause in parliament, asked department officials if they had talked to the United States about safe passage for Assange if he left the embassy.

James Larsen, the department's chief legal officer, said he was not aware of any US proceedings against Assange and so there was nothing to discuss.

"I don’t have a record before me of what our engagement with the United States is specifically concerning Mr Assange," he said.

"We are not aware, on the Australian government’s side, of any legal proceedings initiated within, or by, the United States, concerning Mr Assange."

US officials have acknowledged that federal prosecutors launched a lengthy criminal investigation into Assange and Wikileaks, which published US diplomatic and military secrets under him.

Assange's supporters remain convinced the United States will seek his extradition if he tries to leave the embassy.

"Day 2998 of the unlawful and arbitrary detention of Julian Assange in the United Kingdom," the Defend Assange Campaign said in a message on social network Twitter on Thursday.

"US government continues to seek his arrest and extradition for publishing the truth about the war in Iraq. He has been nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize."

Assange first took asylum in the embassy in 2012, but his relationship with Ecuador has grown increasingly tense.

In December he was administered a series of medical tests, in line with new rules for his asylum at the embassy that prompted him to sue the government.

Australia has confirmed that Julian Assange has a valid passport, a key development for the Wikileaks founder, who fears that Ecuador seeks to end his asylum in its London embassy and extradite him to the United States.

Australia has confirmed that Julian Assange has a valid passport, a key development for the Wikileaks founder, who fears that Ecuador seeks to end his asylum in its London embassy and extradite him to the United States. The new passport, which would allow Assange, who is in failing health, to return to Australia, was issued in September last year but remained unreported until Saturday. His previous passport had expired. Senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on Thursday told a Senate estimates hearing that Assange had a valid passport, reiterating a statement from last October. Senator Rex Patrick of minority party Centre Alliance, who has taken up Assange's cause in parliament, asked department officials if they had talked to the United States about safe passage for Assange if he left the embassy. James Larsen, the department's chief legal officer, said he was not aware of any US proceedings against Assange and so there was nothing to discuss. "I don’t have a record before me of what our engagement with the United States is specifically concerning Mr Assange," he said. "We are not aware, on the Australian government’s side, of any legal proceedings initiated within, or by, the United States, concerning Mr Assange." US officials have acknowledged that federal prosecutors launched a lengthy criminal investigation into Assange and Wikileaks, which published US diplomatic and military secrets under him. Assange's supporters remain convinced the United States will seek his extradition if he tries to leave the embassy. "Day 2998 of the unlawful and arbitrary detention of Julian Assange in the United Kingdom," the Defend Assange Campaign said in a message on social network Twitter on Thursday. "US government continues to seek his arrest and extradition for publishing the truth about the war in Iraq. He has been nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize." Assange first took asylum in the embassy in 2012, but his relationship with Ecuador has grown increasingly tense. In December he was administered a series of medical tests, in line with new rules for his asylum at the embassy that prompted him to sue the government.

Australia confirms Wikileaks' Assange has valid passport

UN rights experts called on British authorities on Friday to allow WikiLeaks founder <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/path-cleared-for-wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-to-leave-ecuador-embassy-president-moreno-182030">Julian Assange</a> to leave the Ecuador embassy in London without fear of arrest or extradition.

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention reiterated its finding published in February 2016 that Assange had been de facto unlawfully held without charge in the embassy, where he has now been holed up for more than six years.

He initially took asylum to avoid being extradited to Sweden, where authorities wanted to question him as part of a sexual assault investigation. That investigation was dropped.

Assange, whose website published thousands of classified US government documents, denied the Sweden allegations, saying the charge was a ploy that would eventually take him to the United States where prosecutors are preparing to pursue a criminal case against him.

Britain says Assange will be arrested for skipping bail if he leaves the embassy, but that any sentence would not exceed six months if convicted. It had no immediate comment on the experts' call, but in June, foreign office minister Alan Duncan said Assange would be treated humanely and properly.

"The only ground remaining for Mr Assange’s continued deprivation of liberty is a bail violation in the UK, which is, objectively, a minor offence that cannot post facto justify the more than six years confinement that he has been subjected to since he sought asylum in the Embassy of Ecuador," the UN experts said in a statement.

"It is time that Mr Assange, who has already paid a high price for peacefully exercising his rights to freedom of opinion, expression and information, and to promote the right to truth in the public interest, recovers his freedom,” they said.

Lawyers for Assange and others have said his work with WikiLeaks was critical to a free press and was protected speech.

The experts voiced concern that his "deprivation of liberty" was undermining his health and could "endanger his life" given the disproportionate amount of anxiety that has entailed.

Ecuador in October imposed new rules requiring him to receive routine medical exams, following concern he was not getting the medical attention he needed. The rules also ordered him to pay medical and phone bills and clean up after his cat.

Assange has sued Ecuador, arguing the rules violate his rights. An Ecuadorean court on Friday upheld a prior ruling dismissing Assange's suit.

"We have lost again," said Carlos Povedo, Assange's attorney in Ecuador, adding that the legal team would consider bringing a case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

UN rights experts called on British authorities on Friday to allow WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to leave the Ecuador embassy in London without fear of arrest or extradition.

UN rights experts called on British authorities on Friday to allow WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to leave the Ecuador embassy in London without fear of arrest or extradition. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention reiterated its finding published in February 2016 that Assange had been de facto unlawfully held without charge in the embassy, where he has now been holed up for more than six years. He initially took asylum to avoid being extradited to Sweden, where authorities wanted to question him as part of a sexual assault investigation. That investigation was dropped. Assange, whose website published thousands of classified US government documents, denied the Sweden allegations, saying the charge was a ploy that would eventually take him to the United States where prosecutors are preparing to pursue a criminal case against him. Britain says Assange will be arrested for skipping bail if he leaves the embassy, but that any sentence would not exceed six months if convicted. It had no immediate comment on the experts' call, but in June, foreign office minister Alan Duncan said Assange would be treated humanely and properly. "The only ground remaining for Mr Assange’s continued deprivation of liberty is a bail violation in the UK, which is, objectively, a minor offence that cannot post facto justify the more than six years confinement that he has been subjected to since he sought asylum in the Embassy of Ecuador," the UN experts said in a statement. "It is time that Mr Assange, who has already paid a high price for peacefully exercising his rights to freedom of opinion, expression and information, and to promote the right to truth in the public interest, recovers his freedom,” they said. Lawyers for Assange and others have said his work with WikiLeaks was critical to a free press and was protected speech. The experts voiced concern that his "deprivation of liberty" was undermining his health and could "endanger his life" given the disproportionate amount of anxiety that has entailed. Ecuador in October imposed new rules requiring him to receive routine medical exams, following concern he was not getting the medical attention he needed. The rules also ordered him to pay medical and phone bills and clean up after his cat. Assange has sued Ecuador, arguing the rules violate his rights. An Ecuadorean court on Friday upheld a prior ruling dismissing Assange's suit. "We have lost again," said Carlos Povedo, Assange's attorney in Ecuador, adding that the legal team would consider bringing a case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

UN calls on UK to allow Julian Assange to leave Ecuador embassy freely

Ecuador puts up pressure on Assange to leave Embassy

Ecuador needs some $550 million to provide aid to Venezuelan citizens fleeing their country's economic crisis, and hopes to raise the funds through donations from multilateral agencies and nearby countries, an Ecuadorean official said the Friday (November 23).

Delegations from a dozen Latin American countries met in Quito on Thursday and Friday to coordinate plans to deal with the Venezuelan migration crisis, which is overwhelming social services agencies throughout South America.

Ecuador estimates that some 600,000 Venezuelan citizens have entered the country in 2018 via the Colombian border, most of whom continue on toward Peru.

Ecuador's government also hopes to obtain resources from regional multilateral organisations and may seek to create a fund financed by countries in the region, adding that it has arranged a meeting in Quito on Nov. 30 that is to include the United States, Canada, Japan, Qatar and the European Union.

The United Nations says around 3 million people have left Venezuela since 2015, fleeing the hyperinflationary collapse that has left millions unable to obtain basic food or medicine.

Ecuador needs some $550 million to provide aid to Venezuelan citizens fleeing their country's economic crisis, and hopes to raise the funds through donations from multilateral agencies and nearby countries, an Ecuadorean official said the Friday (November 23).

Ecuador needs some $550 million to provide aid to Venezuelan citizens fleeing their country's economic crisis, and hopes to raise the funds through donations from multilateral agencies and nearby countries, an Ecuadorean official said the Friday (November 23). Delegations from a dozen Latin American countries met in Quito on Thursday and Friday to coordinate plans to deal with the Venezuelan migration crisis, which is overwhelming social services agencies throughout South America. Ecuador estimates that some 600,000 Venezuelan citizens have entered the country in 2018 via the Colombian border, most of whom continue on toward Peru. Ecuador's government also hopes to obtain resources from regional multilateral organisations and may seek to create a fund financed by countries in the region, adding that it has arranged a meeting in Quito on Nov. 30 that is to include the United States, Canada, Japan, Qatar and the European Union. The United Nations says around 3 million people have left Venezuela since 2015, fleeing the hyperinflationary collapse that has left millions unable to obtain basic food or medicine.

Ecuador says it needs $550 million to help Venezuelan migrants

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said on Monday that Ecuador is seeking to end his asylum in its London embassy and hand him over to the United States, but a judge rejected his lawsuit over embassy living conditions.

Assange spoke from the embassy via teleconference at a hearing in Quito of a lawsuit challenging the Ecuadorean government requiring him to pay for medical bills, phone calls and clean up after his pet cat.

He took refuge in the embassy six years ago to avoid extradition to Sweden in a sexual assault case that was later dropped. He remains there to avoid being jailed by Great Britain for violating the terms of his bail, which he has said would result in his being handed over to Washington.

During the hearing, Assange said the new rules were a sign Ecuador was trying to push him out, and said Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno had already decided to end his asylum but had not yet officially given the order.

"If Mr. Assange wants to stay and he follows the rules ... he can stay at the embassy as long as he wants," said Attorney General Inigo Salvador, adding that Assange's stay had cost the country $6 million.

Foreign Minister Jose Valencia declined to comment on Assange's assertion that Ecuador sought to hand him over to the United States.

Judge Karina Martinez rejected the lawsuit, saying the Foreign Ministry was in charge of determining his living conditions.

Assange's legal team said it immediately appealed the ruling.

Embassy staff had complained of Assange riding a skateboard in the halls, of playing soccer on the grounds and behaving aggressively with security personnel.

Ecuador's government also objected to his making online commentary about sensitive political issues in other countries, including publishing opinions about the Catalonia separatist movement in Spain.

The new rules were meant to address these concerns, Salvador said.

The United Kingdom in August had assured Assange that he would not be extradited if he left the embassy, Salvador told reporters last week.

Valencia told Reuters last week that the government was "frustrated" by the lawsuit and that it would no longer intervene with British authorities on Assange's behalf.

US federal prosecutors in Alexandria, Virginia, have maintained a long-running grand jury investigation into WikiLeaks, which according to one source includes a probe into leaks of Central Intelligence Agency documents to the website.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said on Monday that Ecuador is seeking to end his asylum in its London embassy and hand him over to the United States, but a judge rejected his lawsuit over embassy living conditions.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said on Monday that Ecuador is seeking to end his asylum in its London embassy and hand him over to the United States, but a judge rejected his lawsuit over embassy living conditions. Assange spoke from the embassy via teleconference at a hearing in Quito of a lawsuit challenging the Ecuadorean government requiring him to pay for medical bills, phone calls and clean up after his pet cat. He took refuge in the embassy six years ago to avoid extradition to Sweden in a sexual assault case that was later dropped. He remains there to avoid being jailed by Great Britain for violating the terms of his bail, which he has said would result in his being handed over to Washington. During the hearing, Assange said the new rules were a sign Ecuador was trying to push him out, and said Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno had already decided to end his asylum but had not yet officially given the order. "If Mr. Assange wants to stay and he follows the rules ... he can stay at the embassy as long as he wants," said Attorney General Inigo Salvador, adding that Assange's stay had cost the country $6 million. Foreign Minister Jose Valencia declined to comment on Assange's assertion that Ecuador sought to hand him over to the United States. Judge Karina Martinez rejected the lawsuit, saying the Foreign Ministry was in charge of determining his living conditions. Assange's legal team said it immediately appealed the ruling. Embassy staff had complained of Assange riding a skateboard in the halls, of playing soccer on the grounds and behaving aggressively with security personnel. Ecuador's government also objected to his making online commentary about sensitive political issues in other countries, including publishing opinions about the Catalonia separatist movement in Spain. The new rules were meant to address these concerns, Salvador said. The United Kingdom in August had assured Assange that he would not be extradited if he left the embassy, Salvador told reporters last week. Valencia told Reuters last week that the government was "frustrated" by the lawsuit and that it would no longer intervene with British authorities on Assange's behalf. US federal prosecutors in Alexandria, Virginia, have maintained a long-running grand jury investigation into WikiLeaks, which according to one source includes a probe into leaks of Central Intelligence Agency documents to the website.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says Ecuador seeking to end his asylum

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange sued the Ecuador government Friday for violating his "fundamental rights" and limiting his access to the outside world while in asylum at its London embassy.

The whistleblowing website said its general counsel arrived in Ecuador on Thursday to launch a legal case against the government for "violating (Assange's) fundamental rights and freedom".

"The move comes almost seven months after Ecuador threatened to remove his protection and summarily cut off his access to the outside world, including by refusing to allow journalists and human rights organisations to see him," WikiLeaks said.

It added that the embassy was requiring Assange's visitors -- including journalists and lawyers -- to disclose "private or political details such as their social media usernames".

The Ecuador government issued no immediate statement in response.

Assange's legal action comes with speculation mounting that Ecuador was preparing to end its standoff with the British government by terminating his six-year asylum.

Quito confirmed blocking Assange's internet and mobile phone access in March after accusing him of breaking "a written committment" not to interfere in Ecuador's foreign policies.

Assange found refuge in the embassy in 2012 after a British judge ruled he should be extradited to Sweden to face allegations of sexual assault, and he feared being transferred to the US.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in March 2017 that arresting Assange for leaking sensitive US government files through his websites was a "priority".

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange sued the Ecuador government Friday for violating his "fundamental rights" and limiting his access to the outside world while in asylum at its London embassy.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange sued the Ecuador government Friday for violating his "fundamental rights" and limiting his access to the outside world while in asylum at its London embassy. The whistleblowing website said its general counsel arrived in Ecuador on Thursday to launch a legal case against the government for "violating (Assange's) fundamental rights and freedom". "The move comes almost seven months after Ecuador threatened to remove his protection and summarily cut off his access to the outside world, including by refusing to allow journalists and human rights organisations to see him," WikiLeaks said. It added that the embassy was requiring Assange's visitors -- including journalists and lawyers -- to disclose "private or political details such as their social media usernames". The Ecuador government issued no immediate statement in response. Assange's legal action comes with speculation mounting that Ecuador was preparing to end its standoff with the British government by terminating his six-year asylum. Quito confirmed blocking Assange's internet and mobile phone access in March after accusing him of breaking "a written committment" not to interfere in Ecuador's foreign policies. Assange found refuge in the embassy in 2012 after a British judge ruled he should be extradited to Sweden to face allegations of sexual assault, and he feared being transferred to the US. US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in March 2017 that arresting Assange for leaking sensitive US government files through his websites was a "priority".

Julian Assange sues Ecuador over 'fundamental rights'

Ecuador announced Thursday it would withdraw additional security measures at its London embassy after an investigation found it plunged $5 million into a spy operation to protect WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

The move, ordered by President Lenin Moreno, came after The Guardian newspaper and Focus Ecuador revealed the previous administration of Rafael Correa funded the operation that involved monitoring Assange's visitors, embassy personnel and the British police.

In March, Ecuador cut off Assange's ability to communicate with the outside world after he broke a 2017 promise to not interfere in other countries' affairs while in the mission.

Assange, 46, sought refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid being extradited to Sweden to face sexual assault allegations, which he denies.

Assange claims the accusations were politically motivated and could lead to his being extradited to the United States to face imprisonment over WikiLeaks' publication of secret US military documents and diplomatic cables in 2010.

Swedish authorities dropped their investigations last year, but British authorities still want to arrest him for breaching bail conditions.

Ecuador announced Thursday it would withdraw additional security measures at its London embassy after an investigation found it plunged $5 million into a spy operation to protect WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange

Ecuador announced Thursday it would withdraw additional security measures at its London embassy after an investigation found it plunged $5 million into a spy operation to protect WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. The move, ordered by President Lenin Moreno, came after The Guardian newspaper and Focus Ecuador revealed the previous administration of Rafael Correa funded the operation that involved monitoring Assange's visitors, embassy personnel and the British police. In March, Ecuador cut off Assange's ability to communicate with the outside world after he broke a 2017 promise to not interfere in other countries' affairs while in the mission. Assange, 46, sought refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid being extradited to Sweden to face sexual assault allegations, which he denies. Assange claims the accusations were politically motivated and could lead to his being extradited to the United States to face imprisonment over WikiLeaks' publication of secret US military documents and diplomatic cables in 2010. Swedish authorities dropped their investigations last year, but British authorities still want to arrest him for breaching bail conditions.

Ecuador to withdraw 'additional security' at London embassy

Ecuador's President, Lenin Moreno, on Thursday gave a Colombian insurgent group 12 hours to prove that two journalists and their driver, kidnapped last month on their common border, are alive or their security forces would take joint action against them.

Moreno returned to his capital, Quito, from a regional summit in Lima, Peru, following unconfirmed reports that El Comercio reporter Javier Ortega, photographer Paul Rivas and driver Efrain Segarra were killed by a group of former fighters of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Without specifying exactly what action would be launched once the deadline passed, Moreno said he had spoken to Colombia's President, Juan Manuel Santos, and asked him to deal forcefully with the group, which funds itself via the illegal cocaine trade.

Santos said on his Twitter account that Moreno could count on the support of Colombia's armed forces.

On Wednesday, a statement apparently issued by the Oliver Sinisterra front - a faction of the former FARC guerrillas that refused to adhere to a 2016 peace agreement - reported that the Ecuadorians had died in a failed rescue operation.

Colombia denied any rescue attempt and a day later a photograph appeared - which has not been released - and which media have reported shows the bodies of three men.

The image was being analyzed by forensic analysts but Ecuador's interior minister, Cesar Navas, said he could not confirm if it showed the three media workers.

The journalists and their driver were on assignment for the El Comercio newspaper when they were seized. A proof-of-life photograph released immediately after their kidnapping showed them chained and padlocked by the neck.

More than a thousand FARC fighters refused to demobilize under the accord with Santos and continue drug trafficking across the nation.

Those operating in Colombia's southern jungles have attacked Ecuadorian security forces along the border.

The FARC, which battled for more than a half-century, attacked military targets and civilian towns, but generally allowed journalists to work freely, unless they went against the rebels' interests.

The journalists and their driver were on assignment for the El Comercio newspaper when they were seized.

Ecuador's President, Lenin Moreno, on Thursday gave a Colombian insurgent group 12 hours to prove that two journalists and their driver, kidnapped last month on their common border, are alive or their security forces would take joint action against them. Moreno returned to his capital, Quito, from a regional summit in Lima, Peru, following unconfirmed reports that El Comercio reporter Javier Ortega, photographer Paul Rivas and driver Efrain Segarra were killed by a group of former fighters of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Without specifying exactly what action would be launched once the deadline passed, Moreno said he had spoken to Colombia's President, Juan Manuel Santos, and asked him to deal forcefully with the group, which funds itself via the illegal cocaine trade. Santos said on his Twitter account that Moreno could count on the support of Colombia's armed forces. On Wednesday, a statement apparently issued by the Oliver Sinisterra front - a faction of the former FARC guerrillas that refused to adhere to a 2016 peace agreement - reported that the Ecuadorians had died in a failed rescue operation. Colombia denied any rescue attempt and a day later a photograph appeared - which has not been released - and which media have reported shows the bodies of three men. The image was being analyzed by forensic analysts but Ecuador's interior minister, Cesar Navas, said he could not confirm if it showed the three media workers. The journalists and their driver were on assignment for the El Comercio newspaper when they were seized. A proof-of-life photograph released immediately after their kidnapping showed them chained and padlocked by the neck. More than a thousand FARC fighters refused to demobilize under the accord with Santos and continue drug trafficking across the nation. Those operating in Colombia's southern jungles have attacked Ecuadorian security forces along the border. The FARC, which battled for more than a half-century, attacked military targets and civilian towns, but generally allowed journalists to work freely, unless they went against the rebels' interests.

Ecuador President Moreno gives insurgents deadline over information on captive journalists

Twelve people were killed and another 25 were injured on Saturday when the bus they were traveling in careened off a road in a coastal region of western Ecuador, officials said.

&quot;So far there are 25 injured...and 12 people died as a result of the traffic accident,&quot; a rescue agency said in a statement.&nbsp;

The accident occurred at around 2:00 pm local time (1900 GMT) on the Jipijapa highway, in the area known as &quot;Las Americas&quot; of the Manabi province, according to a report from the Ecuadorian Traffic Commission.&nbsp;

Traffic accidents are among the leading causes of death in the Andean country.&nbsp;

Last week, a frontal collision between two buses in the neighboring province of Guayas left 11 dead and 54 wounded.

'So far there are 25 injured...and 12 people died as a result of the traffic accident,' a rescue agency said in a statement

Twelve people were killed and another 25 were injured on Saturday when the bus they were traveling in careened off a road in a coastal region of western Ecuador, officials said. "So far there are 25 injured...and 12 people died as a result of the traffic accident," a rescue agency said in a statement. The accident occurred at around 2:00 pm local time (1900 GMT) on the Jipijapa highway, in the area known as "Las Americas" of the Manabi province, according to a report from the Ecuadorian Traffic Commission. Traffic accidents are among the leading causes of death in the Andean country. Last week, a frontal collision between two buses in the neighboring province of Guayas left 11 dead and 54 wounded.

12 dead after Ecuador bus slides off road: Officials

Ecuador blamed Britain on Friday for upending its efforts to mediate a solution for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who has lived in the Ecuadorean embassy in London since June 2012 to avoid extradition.

Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa said Ecuador had hoped to forge an agreement with Britain on Australian-born Assange, who entered the embassy to avoid being sent to Sweden to face allegations of sex crimes, which he has denied.&nbsp;

&quot;This has not prospered because to mediate, two parties are needed. Ecuador is willing but the other party is not,&quot; she told reporters.

Last week, a British judge refused to halt legal proceedings against Assange, 46. The Swedish case was dropped in May last year, but Britain still has a warrant out for Assange`s arrest over his breach of bail terms.

Fernanda Espinosa said Ecuador shared Assange`s fears that he could be extradited to the United States if he left the embassy, given that he has published US&nbsp;diplomatic and military secrets on

WikiLeaks, an organization that makes public secret information or news leaks provided by anonymous sources.

Ecuador will continue to provide shelter to Assange while he remains under threat and keep searching for ways to resolve the debacle, she said.

There is no public record or evidence demonstrating that any US&nbsp;criminal charges are pending against Assange, but he and his supporters believe US&nbsp;prosecutors could have a sealed, and therefore secret, indictment against him.

A US&nbsp;government official told Reuters last week that federal prosecutors were still pursuing a criminal investigation against WikiLeaks.

Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa said Ecuador had hoped to forge an agreement with Britain on Australian-born Assange

Ecuador blamed Britain on Friday for upending its efforts to mediate a solution for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who has lived in the Ecuadorean embassy in London since June 2012 to avoid extradition. Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa said Ecuador had hoped to forge an agreement with Britain on Australian-born Assange, who entered the embassy to avoid being sent to Sweden to face allegations of sex crimes, which he has denied. "This has not prospered because to mediate, two parties are needed. Ecuador is willing but the other party is not," she told reporters. Last week, a British judge refused to halt legal proceedings against Assange, 46. The Swedish case was dropped in May last year, but Britain still has a warrant out for Assange`s arrest over his breach of bail terms. Fernanda Espinosa said Ecuador shared Assange`s fears that he could be extradited to the United States if he left the embassy, given that he has published US diplomatic and military secrets on WikiLeaks, an organization that makes public secret information or news leaks provided by anonymous sources. Ecuador will continue to provide shelter to Assange while he remains under threat and keep searching for ways to resolve the debacle, she said. There is no public record or evidence demonstrating that any US criminal charges are pending against Assange, but he and his supporters believe US prosecutors could have a sealed, and therefore secret, indictment against him. A US government official told Reuters last week that federal prosecutors were still pursuing a criminal investigation against WikiLeaks.

Ecuador says mediation with Britain over Assange has failed

ecuador

Ecuador, News on Ecuador, stories on Ecuador, articles on Ecuador, Ecuador stories at Wion, Ecuador news, Ecuador latest news