Assange is in atrocious conditions: Partner

Assange is in the top-security Belmarsh prison awaiting a court ruling on whether he can be extradited to the United States to face charges including espionage.

London: Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is being held in "atrocious" jail conditions in London, his partner Stella Morris has said.

Morris said Belmarsh was "very dangerous" and that one in three prisoners in his block had COVID-19.

''Suicides and murders are commonplace, he is surrounded by very serious criminals,'' she said.

U.S. prosecutors have indicted Assange, an Australian citizen, on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over WikiLeaks' publication of secret American military documents a decade ago.

Morris defended her partner saying ''he's being accused of publishing true information about torture and government abuse.''

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison.

Morris accused the Australian government of not doing enough to help Assange's case.

His next court hearing is due on Monday, with the decision extradition expected on January 4.

AP

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