I am deeply disappointed with the unsatisfactory response from the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice in the Government of the United Kingdom, the Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, which advised that Julian Assange will not be granted compassionate release from prison on the basis that he does not meet the criteria and he also presents as a flight risk.

It is very disappointing to see that we have been sent little more than a form letter from the head of the UK Justice committee following our approaches for the compassionate release of Julian Assange into home detention due to the current health concerns.

Also, to suggest that Mr Assange is some form of flight risk in these restricted circumstances is laughable.

Julian Assange has children and other family members he could safely spend time with during the lengthy wait for his hearing in September, and as a low-risk prisoner he should be afforded this opportunity.

Mr Assange’s next court appearance has been set for September. Until then, he will remain incarcerated in HMP Belmarsh in virtual solitary confinement. This maximum security prison is normally used to detain the worst of the worst, including terrorists and murderers, not those that expose them.