Statement: Julian Assange arrested after seven years in embassy

The Wikileaks founder was arrested at the Ecuadorean Embassy this morning after Government of Ecuador revoked his asylum status. Assange has spent the last seven years taking refuge in the embassy, to avoid extradition, first to Sweden, on an rape charge since dropped, but more recently to the USA.

The President of Ecuador said that Ecuador had "reached its limit on the behaviour of Mr Assange" who is accused of continued intervention in the affairs of other states, and political activity, which is not allowed while claiming asylum.

Assange is expected to face UK legal proceedings, though the Government has confirmed in writing to Ecuador that it will not allow his extradition to a country where he may face torture or death."

• Watch Parliament TV: Statement on Julian Assange arrest
• Read Commons Hansard: Arrest of Julian Assange

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Home Secretary Sajid Javid said;

"This morning after nearly seven years inside the Ecuadorian embassy Mr Assange was arrested for failing to surrender in relation to his extradition proceedings. He was later also served with a warrant for provisional arrest pending receipt of a request for extradition to stand trial in the United States on charges relating to computer offences."

Responding, Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott said,

"Julian Assange is not being pursued to protect US national security. He is being pursued because he has exposed wrong doing by US administrations and their military forces."

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