Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Doctors Say Ailing Assange Needs Medical Care in Hospital

Associated Press

   LONDON - More than 60 doctors have written to British authorities
   asserting that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange urgently needs medical
   treatment at a university hospital.
   The doctors said in a letter published Monday that Assange suffers from
   psychological problems including depression as well as dental issues
   and a serious shoulder ailment.
   Assange is in Belmarsh Prison on the outskirts of London in advance of
   an extradition hearing set for February. He is sought by the U.S. on
   espionage charges relating to his WikiLeaks work.
   The letter was sent to Home Secretary Priti Patel.
   Dr. Lissa Johnson of Australia said an independent medical assessment
   is needed to determine if Assange is ``medically fit'' to face legal
   proceedings.
   The letter was distributed by WikiLeaks.

.