Assange To Be Quizzed Over Sex Assault Claims

The fugitive founder of the whistleblowing website is wanted in Sweden over the allegations, which he has always denied.

The Swedish authorities are to submit questions to Ecuadorian officials

Wikileaks' Julian Assange is to be questioned at the Ecuadorian embassy where he has hidden out for more than three years over allegations of sexual assault.

Announcing a breakthrough in the case, the country's president said a deal had been struck with Swedish prosecutors that will see the founder of the whistleblowing website quizzed about the criminal claims, without leaving the building.

Mr Assange has been at the Ecuadorian embassy for more than three years

The Swedish authorities will submit questions to Ecuadorian officials, who will then put them to Mr Assange, said President Rafael Correa.

Mr Assange has been holed up in the diplomatic mission since 2012 and has been granted political asylum by the Ecuador government.

He is wanted for questioning in Sweden over allegations of sexual assault against two women, which he has always denied.

The Australian claimed if he went to Sweden he could be handed over the US authorities for prosecution over WikiLeaks disclosures.

Last year it was announced police would no longer guard the embassy in case he left the building.

The round-the-clock police presence had become increasingly contentious as the cost rose to more than £12m.

Mr Assange has previously claimed he had not had any fresh air or sunlight during his time at the embassy.