WikiLeaks founder arrested in UK

The founder of controversial website WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, has been arrested by the Metropolitan Police in London today, accused of sexual assault.

The 39-year-old, originally from Australia, had been staying in the UK in an attempt to keep out of the public eye whilst his website published leaked cables from US embassies, revealing confidential, and often embarrassing, diplomatic communications.

A European arrest warrant was granted to bring in Assange, who was accused of one count of rape, one count of unlawful coercion and two counts of sexual molestation alleged to have occurred back in August in Sweden.

WikiLeaks spokesman Kristinn Hrafnsson told Reuters that Wikileaks was still "operational".

"We are continuing on the same track as laid out before.”

"Any development with regards to Julian Assange will not change the plans we have with regards to the releases today and in the coming days."

This article originally appeared at itpro.co.uk