"If China's interests are infringed, we will resolutely take countermeasures in accordance with international law," he added.

“The CIA drew up plans to kidnap and to assassinate me within the Ecuadorian Embassy in London and authorized going after my European colleagues subjecting us to theft, hacking attacks, and the planting of false information.”

“My wife and my infant son were also targeted. A CIA asset was permanently assigned to track. My wife and instructions were given to obtain DNA from my six-month-old son's nappy. The criminalisation of news-gathering activities is a threat to investigative journalism everywhere.

I was formally convicted by a foreign power for, for asking for receiving and publishing truthful information about that power.

While I was in Europe, journalists should not be prosecuted for doing their jobs. Journalism is not a crime. It is a pillar of a free and informed society.”