Vigils held across world to mark Assange anniversary in embassy

VIGILS WERE held in several countries to mark the sixth anniversary of Julian Assange, living inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

Scores of people stood outside the building, with many giving speeches in support of the WikiLeaks founder.

Among those taking part was Susan Manning, mother of Chelsea, who was jailed in the United States for leaking military information.

Mr Assange remained hidden from view inside the embassy, where he has been denied access to the internet or visitors for weeks.

Vigils were also held in several cities across Australia, the United States, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka and Ireland.

One of Mr Assange’s lawyers has urged the United Nations to make an official visit to see the impact on him of living inside the embassy for the past six years.

Jennifer Robinson told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday that Mr Assange was unable to obtain proper medical attention and was being denied sunlight or outdoor access.

Ms Robinson told the UN that the British authorities had made it clear that if Mr Assange left the embassy to seek medical treatment he would be arrested. The US administration has said that prosecuting him is a “priority”, said Ms Robinson. “He cannot leave the embassy because the UK will not provide assurances against extradition to the US. The UK is showing deliberate disregard for his medical needs,” she said, adding that the UN should send a special rapporteur to visit the embassy. His confinement in the embassy was having a “severe impact” on his physical and mental health, she said.