London — Having officially been extradited from the Ecuadorian embassy in London, WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange is now claiming asylum in the entirely new nation of Boxlandia.

The Democratic Republic of Boxlandia, which came into existence just this morning, said it was more than happy to take in the fugitive. “Julian Assange is an upstanding citizen and fighter for truth, and he’s also really handsome and cool,” the nation explained in a statement released to the press. “We would be more than happy to let him live here for a few years.”

While Boxlandia is still considered by most to be a developing country with few means of exports and a sluggish economy, Assange was happy to choose it over serving time in prison. “My new living space will be a bit cramped, sure, but hey, when I’m in Boxlandia, I just feel home,” Assange explained.

Assange was quickly elected ruler of Boxlandia by an overwhelming 100% of the electorate. With his newfound powers, Assange soon declared himself king for life. “I will serve my nation well and do whatever it takes to keep its citizens from going to jail,” Assange proclaimed in his victory speech.

Not long after Assange’s power grasp, Boxlandia was already making plans to invade the neighboring country of Empty Warehousestan, with Assange citing its ability to withstand rain as a key asset he wished to possess.