Julian Assange ‘sucking police resources’: UK cop

A police officer guards the Ecuador embassy in London. Photo: Suzanna Plunkett/ReutersSUZANNE PLUNKETT

London: British police are reviewing the operation to guard WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, the UK's most senior officer has said.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe told LBC radio that the force is assessing its options due to the pressure the operation at the Ecuadorian embassy in London is putting on resources.

"We won't talk about tactics but we are reviewing what options we have. It is sucking our resources," he said.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange conducts a news conference at the Ecuadorian embassy. Photo: Reuters

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

Advertisement

Last week Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said the cost of the operation was around the 10 million (AU$19 million) mark.

Assange came under intense scrutiny after WikiLeaks began releasing a selection of more than 250,000 classified US diplomatic cables passed to the whistle-blowing website back in 2010.

Assange's supporters last year pondered whether he was to end his self-imposed embassy stay amid concerns over his long-term health.

View post:
Julian Assange 'sucking police resources': UK cop