Ecuador warns Assange over support for Catalonia independence bid

Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry has told WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to avoid making statements that could affect the country’s international relations. The warning came after he expressed support for Catalonian independence from Spain, AFP reports. Assange initially moved into London’s Ecuadorian embassy five years ago to avoid arrest over now-dropped Swedish rape charges. In September, he angered Madrid after addressing hundreds of people in Barcelona via video link. The Ecuadorian ministry said that Assange “has formally committed to observe behavior that is compatible with the will of the Ecuadorian state.” Assange, who denies the Swedish allegations, remains in the embassy over fears that he will be extradited to the US and put on trial for WikiLeaks publications.