WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange seeks asylum at Ecuadorian Embassy in London; Update: Government of Ecuador releases statement

After seeking asylum, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is reportedly under protection of the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.

Assange claims the Australian government has abandoned him and will not defend him to prevent extradition to the US – Ecuador gov't

— Michael van Poppel (@mpoppel) June 19, 2012

Immediate reaction:

https://twitter.com/Max_Fisher/status/215153246254268416

https://twitter.com/warrenellis/status/215154241797496833

Have to say, I did not see this coming. RT @BBCBreaking: Julian #Assange is at Ecuador's embassy in London asking for political asylum.

— Freddie Campion (@FreddieCampion) June 19, 2012

Twitchy will monitor this situation and update as it develops.

Update:

FULL COPY: Ecuador government statement on Assange asylum request – http://t.co/uyxsvDs5

— Michael van Poppel (@mpoppel) June 19, 2012