Sweden reopens Assange rape investigation, to seek extradition

World

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Sweden reopened an investigation into a rape allegation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Monday and will seek his extradition from Britain, potentially delaying efforts by the United States to bring him to its courts to face trial over a huge release of secret documents.

Deputy Chief Prosecutor Eva-Marie Persson told a news conference she would continue a preliminary investigation that was dropped in 2017 without charges being brought because Assange had taken refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London.

Assange was arrested in Britain last month after spending seven years hiding inside the embassy.

The United States is also seeking his extradition on conspiracy charges relating to the public release by Wikileaks of a cache of secret documents, including assessments of foreign leaders, wars and security matters.

The Swedish prosecutor said it would request Assange be detained in his absence on probable cause for an allegation of rape and that it would issue a European arrest warrant - the process under which his extradition would be sought.

Comments

Still No Comments Posted.

Leave Comments

Most Reviews

March 11, 2025

- 1570 - 0

Rapist of lady doctor at Anuradhapura identified as army deserter, parliament told

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today that the suspect in the rape of a lady doctor at the Anuradhapura teaching hospital has been identified as an army deserter and he will be apprehended shortly.

March 12, 2025

- 535 - 0

Suspect involved in sexual assault of Anuradhapura doctor arrested

Police have arrested the suspect connected to the sexual assault on a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital today morning in Galnewa.

March 6, 2025

- 462 - 0

IMF insists SriLankan Airlines be restructured within this year

March 11, 2025

- 369 - 0

Dutch authorities investigate companies suspected of paying bribes for Sri Lanka hospital projects

The Dutch Public Prosecutor suspects two companies of paying bribes in the construction of hospitals in Sri Lanka, according to an investigation by FD, the Dutch financial newspaper.

March 6, 2025

- 320 - 0

Budget 2025: No plans to further revise public sector salaries and allowances

March 8, 2025

- 232 - 0

Internationally funded projects only on Govt-to-Govt basis in future

The Minister of Power, Kumara Jayakody, stated that in the future, internationally funded projects, such as power projects, will only be carried out through government-to-government (G2G) agreements and competitive procurement.