Julian Assange accuses Clegg over rape ‘charges’ comment

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange pictured on the balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in Knightsbridge, London, in November 2014. File photograph: Yui Mok/PA Wire

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has asked his legal team to study comments made by deputy British prime minister Nick Clegg to see whether they were defamatory.

Mr Clegg was interviewed on LBC radio on Thursday about Mr Assanges continued stay at the Ecuadorian embassy in London and the 10 million (13.46 million) cost of policing the building.

Mr Assange has been at the embassy since June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faces questions over claims of sexual assaults, which he denies.

Mr Clegg said: Am I frustrated that this goes on and on like this? Am I frustrated that taxpayers are picking up the tab around the Ecuadorian embassy? Yes, sure.

Imagine the frustration of the Swedish government - hardly an illiberal rogue state.

Democratic credentials

This is a country of impeccable democratic credentials with a well-respected judicial system who say he should go to Sweden to face very serious allegations and charges of rape, which he denies.

Of course, the right thing to do is for him to do that and face justice in a country where due process is well-established.

Mr Assange has taken exception to use of the word charges.

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Julian Assange accuses Clegg over rape ‘charges’ comment