WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrested in the UK

Assange was arrested from Ecuador's embassy in London

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrested in the UK [File] WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy in London | Reuters

WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange has been arrested after seven years in Ecuador's embassy in London on Thursday, according to the UK police.

The Metropolitan Police were invited into the Ecuadorean embassy by the Ambassador and Assange was taken into custody. Police said he will be presented at Westminster Magistrates' Court “as soon as is possible”.

The US authorities had prepared charges against the 47-year-old for publicly releasing secret documents through WikiLeaks. He had originally taken refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London in 2012 to avoid being extradited to Sweden to face sexual assault charges.

However, Assange's relationship with Ecuador was affected after he was accused of leaking information about President Lenin Moreno's personal life.

Later, he sued the government of Ecuador for violating his "fundamental rights".

(With inputs from agencies)