Australia’s new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Stephen Smith, has revealed he will soon visit Julian Assange in prison.
It will be the first time the Wikileaks founder has accepted a consular visit since November 2019, and the first time a high commissioner has met with the Australian behind bars.
“Shortly after I arrived here, his father approached me requesting that I visit Mr Assange,” Mr Smith told media.
“Through his lawyers, Mr Assange agreed to that visit and I welcome that very much.
“We have made, before my arrival, over 40 offers to provide consular assistance, none of which he has taken up. That’s not said critically, that’s just a fact, but I’m very pleased he has agreed to my request to see him.”
Mr Assange is still fighting extradition to the United States, where he faces charges in connection to the publication of leaked documents and diplomatic cables.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Thursday dampened expectations of a breakthrough in the case, telling the Senate there were limits to what diplomacy could achieve.
That means the 51-year-old, who has a history of health problems, is likely to remain in London’s Belmarsh prison for some time yet.
“I’ll ask him questions which go to his health and wellbeing,” said Mr Smith.
“Obviously there will be a physical observation, but I want a conversation about how he’s being treated, whether he has any health or wellbeing issues, we’d also like to get regular updates about his health and wellbeing from the prison, that’s not currently available to us.”
