Ecuador has decided to grant political asylum to WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange.

The Ecuadorian government said Thursday that if Assange is repatriated to Sweden where he’s been charged with sexual assault, he is likely to be swiftly transferred to the U.S. where is he is unlikely to get a fair trial over allegations of leaking classified diplomatic materials via WikiLeaks. Assange has been taking refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since June 19th.

In response, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said his country will not allow Assange safe passage out of Britain.

The Swedish government, on its part, summoned Ecuador’s ambassador to Sweden for an explanation in protest.