WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange WILL be questioned over sex assault allegations after Swedish police 'strike a deal with the Ecuadorian embassy where he fled three years ago'
- Mr Assange to be quizzed about sex assault claims at London embassy
- Ecuador has struck a deal with Swedish prosecutors to allow questioning
- Mr Assange has been living in embassy in Knightsbridge, West London
- Ecuador says he can go into exile in its country if he is not charged
WikiLeaks founder: Julian Assange will be questioned at the embassy where he has been holed up for three years over allegations of sex assault
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will finally be questioned over rape and assault allegations after Swedish police struck a deal with Ecuador for him to be interviewed at the London embassy he fled to more than three years ago.
In a significant breakthrough in the case 44-year-old Mr Assange is to face questions about the claims without having to leave the building, Ecuador's president has announced.
President Rafael Correa said the Swedish authorities will submit questions to Ecuadorian officials, who will then quiz Mr Assange about them.
‘This is finally going to happen, what could have been done three years ago,’ Mr Correa added.
Mr Assange has been living in the embassy in Knightsbridge, West London, for more than three years and has been granted political asylum by the Ecuador government.
Ecuador said last week that he can leave his hideout in its embassy and go into exile in the South American country if Swedish prosecutors do not charge him after questioning him.
In an interview on public radio, Ecuador’s Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino said: ‘If they don't charge him, he can leave.
'We hope we won't have any problem with the United Kingdom. He would likely come to Ecuador, because he has already been granted asylum in our country.’
Officers: Last October police stopped standing guard outside the Ecuadorian embassy in London for the first time in more than three years. Scotland Yard had faced criticism about the £12.6million cost of the operation
Australian Mr Assange is wanted for questioning in Sweden over sex assault allegations against two women, which he has always denied.
He fears being transported to the United States to be quizzed over the activities of WikiLeaks if he goes to Sweden.
But Mr Assange has said in the past that he would welcome being questioned at the embassy.
Last October police officers stopped standing guard outside the Ecuadorian embassy in London for the first time in more than three years.
Announcement: Ecuador's President Rafael Correa (pictured yesterday in Quito) said the Swedish authorities will submit questions to Ecuadorian officials, who will then quiz Mr Assange about them
Scotland Yard said at the time that it had removed the permanent guard of officers who have been stationed outside ready to arrest Mr Assange since 2012 - at a total cost of £12.6million.
Ecuador’s Foreign Minister: Ricardo Patino said Mr Assange can go into exile in the South American country if Swedish prosecutors do not charge him
The controversial activist has been living in the embassy to avoid being extradited to Sweden over rape allegations.
The Metropolitan Police previously said that while they were removing the 24/7 guard outside the embassy they will still do their best to arrest the WikiLeaks founder.
The outspoken former computer hacker still faces immediate arrest should he emerge from the embassy, with police assuring 'every effort' would be made to detain him in order that he can be extradited.
The police's decision to end their round-the-clock surveillance came after repeated attacks on the cost of the operation.
Officers insist that they will not relent in their efforts to arrest Mr Assange, who was accused of rape by a Swedish woman after visiting the country five years ago.
He denies the allegation, but says he cannot travel to Sweden to stand trial lest he be extradited to the US, where he fears prosecution over WikiLeaks' publication of secret military and diplomatic records.
Three charges of sexual assault were dropped by Swedish prosecutors in August due to the statue of limitations.
Turned into a film: Mr Assange was portrayed by actor Benedict Cumberbatch in 2013 movie The Fifth Estate
Mr Assange has been granted asylum by Ecuador on political grounds, but is reported to have annoyed embassy staff and become frustrated at being confined to just a few rooms, with a small balcony giving him his only chance to get fresh air.
The country's Left-wing government is believed to have considered a series of plans to smuggle Mr Assange out of the UK - including appointing him an Ecuadorian diplomat or disguising him in fancy dress.
Swedish officials had said towards the end of last year that they were optimistic about reaching an agreement with Ecuador which could pave the way for the questioning of Mr Assange in London.
Justice ministry spokesman Cecilia Riddselius said talks between Swedish officials and their counterparts in Ecuador had been 'very good, very constructive' and could lead to a general agreement on legal cooperation 'in time for Christmas'.
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