Leak shows Assange sought Russian visa

Leaked internal WikiLeaks files allegedly show founder Julian Assange sought a Russian visa in London as authorities closed in on him in 2010.

Julian Assange

Julian Assange reportedly sought a Russian visa when authorities were closing in on him in 2010. (AAP)

A new cache of internal WikiLeaks files shows the radical transparency organisation's staffers discussed having founder Julian Assange skip bail and escape from Britain as authorities closed in on him in 2010.

One of the documents obtained by The Associated Press captures supporters considering a potential Brazilian asylum claim; another has Assange discreetly seeking a Russian visa in London.

To avoid extradition to face sex crime allegations in Sweden, Assange in June 2012 took refuge at the Ecuadorean Embassy in London, where he is barred from internet access.

His representatives didn't respond to repeated messages seeking comment about the visa bid.

The Russian Embassy in London says it doesn't discuss the personal details of visa applicants.


Share
Published 17 September 2018 8:04pm
Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world