BUENOS AIRES (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 11th April, 2019) Ecuador spent $5.81 million between 2012 and 2018 to ensure the secure stay of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London since he was granted political asylum in 2012 and up to his arrest on Thursday, local media reported, citing Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Jose Valencia.
Quito also spent almost $400,000 on medicine, food and laundry services for Assange over this period and an additional $300,000 on legal services for him in 2012, the El Comercio daily newspaper specified.
The UK police detained the whistleblower after Ecuador had withdrawn Assange's asylum, citing his violations of international protocols. The arrest was made on behalf of the US authorities. The US Department of Justice said Thursday it was charging Assange with conspiracy related to a 2010 release of classified documents provided by former US Army soldier Chelsea Manning.
According to the UK Westminster Magistrates' Court, where Assange appeared on Thursday, the United States has until June 12 to submit all the papers necessary for extradition.
Assange gained fame after WikiLeaks published a huge trove of leaked files, including those referring to US military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and conditions in US-run Guantanamo detention camp.
