France rejects asylum plea from Julian Assange

France has rejected a request for asylum by Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

Assange has been living for the past three years in Ecuador’s London embassy, where he took refuge to avoid extradition to Sweden over alleged sex crimes.

He has not seen the sun in three years as the embassy has no outdoor area

“France has received the letter from Mr. Assange. An in-depth review shows that in view of the legal and material elements of Mr Assange’s situation, France cannot grant his request,” a statement by President Francois Hollande’s office said.

“The situation of Mr. Assange does not present any immediate danger. He is also the target of a European arrest mandate,” it noted.

Le Monde daily earlier published an open letter by Assange to Hollande saying his life was in danger.

On June 19 Julian Assange marked three years inside the embassy, where he has claimed asylum claiming he risks extradition to the US from both the UK and Sweden.

Assange will today celebrate his 44th birthday, a statement by the Justice For Assange group declared; “He has not seen the sun in three years as the embassy has no outdoor area.

“His rights have been severely abused, as have the rights of his young family.

“Fifty nine legal and civil rights organizations have complained to the United Nations about his treatment in the last year alone.”

“UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners requires minimum one hour of exercise outdoors each day. Ecuador has requested that Mr. Assange be permitted outdoor exercise without risking his political asylum.”