WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has applied for political asylum at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London after failing in his bid to avoid extradition to Sweden to face sex crime allegations.
This is only the latest development in a winding, nuanced case.
What has happened so far? Read below for a timeline, giving you everything you need to know about the affair.
2010
11 August: Assange arrives in Stockholm for a speaking trip, where it was arranged for him to stay at the apartment of "Miss A".
14 August: Assange and "Miss A" attend a seminar by the Social Democrats' Brotherhood Movement, at which the Australian is the key speaker. The two reportedly have sex that night.
17 August: Assange reportedly has sex with "Miss W", a woman he met at the seminar on August 14.
Between August 17 and 20: The two women are said to have shared concerns over their sexual encounters with Assange.
20 August: The Swedish Prosecutor's Office issues an arrest warrant for Assange for two separate allegations - one of rape and one of molestation.
21 August: The arrest warrant is withdrawn but the molestation charge remains.
31 August: Assange is questioned by police in Stockholm and formally told of the allegations against him, which he denies.
1 September: Director of prosecutions Marianne Ny says she is reopening the rape investigation against Assange.
18 October: The WikiLeaks founder is denied residency in Sweden with no reason given.
18 November: Stockholm District Court approves a request to detain the WikiLeaks founder for questioning on suspicion of rape, sexual molestation and unlawful coercion.
20 November: An international arrest warrant for Assange is issued by Swedish police via Interpol.
30 November: Interpol issues a "red notice" for Assange.
8 December: Assange presents himself to London police and appears at an extradition hearing where he is remanded in custody.
14 December: The world media and protesters besiege the road outside London's City of Westminster Magistrate' Court, where Assange is appearing on an extradition warrant. He is granted conditional bail but must provide a security of £200,000 to the court and guarantee two sureties, each of £20,000.
The court's decision is welcomed by high profile supporters Jemima Khan, Tariq Ali and John Pilger. Two hours later, the Swedish authorities challenge the decision to grant bail and the Australian is kept behind bars until a more senior judge can hear the appeal.
16 December: Assange is granted conditional bail at the High Court in London after his supporters pay £240,000 in cash and sureties.
17 December: Assange claims the investigation into him is illegal, saying he has not been provided with any evidence relating to the allegations.
2011
7 February: The WikiLeaks founder appears at the first day of his extradition hearing at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court, south east London, where the Swedish prosecutor is accused of having a "biased view" against men. Swedish officials confirm they wish to prosecute, rather than just question, Assange.
8 February: During the second day of the proceedings, the court is told that a hoard of secret text messages could hold the key to finally clearing Assange's name.
11 February: Assange appears at the final day of the hearing, where the case is adjourned. His lawyers claim extradition would breach his human rights and say he could ultimately be taken against his will to the United States and executed.
24 February: District Judge Howard Riddle rules that Assange should be extradited to Sweden and denies this would breach his human rights. Assange vows to fight the decision.
3 March: Assange's lawyers say they have lodged papers at the High Court for an appeal against the ruling.
12 July: Assange launches his appeal at the High Court. His QC Ben Emmerson argues that the European arrest warrant that led to his client's arrest contained "fundamental misstatements" of what had occurred in Stockholm last August.
13 July: Judges reserve judgment on the appeal.
2 November: Assange loses his appeal. He says he will consider his next steps in the days ahead. His supporters express outrage at the decision and vow they will continue to back him.
2012
30 May: The UK Supreme Court upholds High Court decision, rules that extradition is lawful and can go ahead.
14 June: The UK Supreme Court rejects a move by Assange to reopen his appeal against his extradition, saying it was "without merit". He has until June 28 to ask European judges in Strasbourg to consider his case and postpone extradition on the basis that he has not had a fair hearing from the UK courts.