WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is suffering from a chronic lung ailment that could worsen at any time and is being checked regularly by doctors.
“He has a chronic lung condition that could worsen at any time,” Ambassador Ana Alban said.
Assange, 41, whose website angered the United States by releasing thousands of secret diplomatic cables, has been holed up inside Ecuador’s embassy in London since June to avoid extradition to Sweden for questioning over rape and sexual assault allegations. Assange has denied any wrongdoing.
He refused to comment on his health or how long he may have to stay in the embassy, declaring those subjects ‘‘off-topic’’.
Ecuador granted him asylum in August 16 and said it shared his fears that he could be sent from Sweden to the United States to face charges over WikiLeaks’ activities.
His health was “slowly deteriorating” in the embassy, adding that he had “a racking cough.”