A UN panel has ruled that Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has been "unlawfully detained". He sought political asylum in London's Ecuadorian embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over sexual assault claims. In 2014, he complained to the panel that he was being "arbitrarily detained" as he could not leave without being arrested. On Thursday, Assange said he would accept arrest by UK police, if the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention investigating his case ruled against him. The 44-year-old said he would leave the Embassy on Friday.

Assange took refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy building in June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over allegations of sexual assault and rape against two women in 2010. Last month, it was reported that Assange will be questioned by Swedish authorities at his Ecuadorean embassy hideout in London.

Ecuador's President Rafael Correa confirmed in January that a deal has been struck with Swedish prosecutors that will see Assange face questions over allegations of he sexually assaulted two women, without having to leave the diplomatic building. President Correa said the Swedish authorities will submit questions to Ecuadorian officials, who will then quiz Assange.

Earlier, Mr Assange said "Should the UN announce tomorrow that I have lost my case against the United Kingdom and Sweden I shall exit the embassy at noon on Friday to accept arrest by British police as there is no meaningful prospect of further appeal. However, should I prevail and the state parties be found to have acted unlawfully, I expect the immediate return of my passport and the termination of further attempts to arrest me."

By Premji