Former Ecuadorian Deputy Foreign Minister Fernando Yepez on Tuesday called on universities, the diplomatic academy and journalists to reflect and promote a deep debate on freedom of expression in the world, after Assange’s release.

Assange’s freedom has sparked deep reflection on journalism and freedom of expression, the denunciation of crimes against humanity committed by the United States, relentless persecution, the right to asylum, prison, torture and Ecuador’s role, the diplomat recalled on X.

Yepez noted that during the government of former President Rafael Correa (2007-2017), Assange was granted asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, honoring the Andean country’s commitment to that right.

‘While the servile Government of Lenin Moreno (2017-2021) handed Assange over to his executioners in an episode of shame in our history,’ he lamented.

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