A UN human-rights expert is calling on the UK and Sweden to follow the recommendation by a UN panel to allow freedom of movement for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

Alfred de Zayas says the countries should set a "good example" and follow the finding announced on February 5 by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention that Mr Assange should be free to leave the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

Authorities in Britain and Sweden have rejected the finding, saying Mr Assange has detained himself by seeking refuge in the embassy after facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Sweden. They insist he will be arrested if he leaves.

Mr De Zayas said in a statement that the non-binding international order requires a "consistent and uniform" application of international law.

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