EM5D8014
Assange supporters at Ecuadorean embassy fear police invasion - 16.08.2012
Following the astonishing statement on 15.08.2012 by British officials that the government is willing to revoke the diplomatic status of the Ecuadorean Embassy in Knightsbridge in order to enter it and arrest Wikileaks founder Julian Assange who is applying for political asylum from the Ecuadorean government - which is making their decision known later today - around 20 Wikileaks supporters gathered outside the embassy in the very early hours of 16.08.2012, fearful that the embassy was going to be invaded by the police.
The police had substantially increased their presence around the embassy, and I had sight of around five officers occupying the main foyer of the embassy. They were also closely guarding the fire exits in case Assange tries to make a break for freedom.
Observers say that if the British did this they would be in direct violation of the Vienna Convention, which governs the rules of diplomacy and diplomatic jurisdictions under international law. Already there have been threats to invade British emnbassies abroad should the Foreign and Commonwealth Office carries out its threat.
All photos © 2012 Pete Riches
Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or reblog my images without my written permission.
Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application
Media buyers should email me directly or view this story on <a href="http://www.demotix.com/news/1390241/assange-supporters-gather-ecuador-embassy-fearing-police-invasion/all-media.
Standard NUJ rates apply.
EM5D8014
Assange supporters at Ecuadorean embassy fear police invasion - 16.08.2012
Following the astonishing statement on 15.08.2012 by British officials that the government is willing to revoke the diplomatic status of the Ecuadorean Embassy in Knightsbridge in order to enter it and arrest Wikileaks founder Julian Assange who is applying for political asylum from the Ecuadorean government - which is making their decision known later today - around 20 Wikileaks supporters gathered outside the embassy in the very early hours of 16.08.2012, fearful that the embassy was going to be invaded by the police.
The police had substantially increased their presence around the embassy, and I had sight of around five officers occupying the main foyer of the embassy. They were also closely guarding the fire exits in case Assange tries to make a break for freedom.
Observers say that if the British did this they would be in direct violation of the Vienna Convention, which governs the rules of diplomacy and diplomatic jurisdictions under international law. Already there have been threats to invade British emnbassies abroad should the Foreign and Commonwealth Office carries out its threat.
All photos © 2012 Pete Riches
Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or reblog my images without my written permission.
Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application
Media buyers should email me directly or view this story on <a href="http://www.demotix.com/news/1390241/assange-supporters-gather-ecuador-embassy-fearing-police-invasion/all-media.
Standard NUJ rates apply.