Julian Assange: WikiLeaks Mastermind To Be Questioned By Swedes Over Sexual Assault Allegations
Julian Assange will be interviewed by Swedish prosecutors over claims that he sexually assaulted two women in 2010. Previous charges against the WikiLeaks founder, editor, and publisher were dropped because prosecutors ran out of time. Swedish prosecutors had five years to bring up rape charges, per the Daily Mail. Although Assange has denied all sexual assault allegations, Swedish authorities still want an interview. The questioning of Swedish authorities will take place at Assange’s Ecuadorian embassy on November 14, according to the New York Times. Julian, 45, has lived inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012.
“In Sweden, prosecutors have to bring charges in cases of sexual molestation and unlawful coercion within five years…They have a further five years to bring any charges over an allegation of rape.”
Following WikiLeaks’ publication of hacked Clinton emails, the Ecuadorian government declared that Ecuador “does not meddle in electoral campaigns nor support any candidate in particular” and announced that Assange’s internet access at the embassy would be “temporarily restricted,” per The Washington Post. According to The Guardian, Julian’s lawyer, Per Samuelsson, said they have requested an interview for Assange since 2010.
“We have requested this interview repeatedly since 2010… Julian Assange has always wanted to tell his version to the Swedish police. He wants a chance to clear his name. We hope the investigation will be closed then.”
Assange may have to provide DNA samples, according to The Independent. Chief Prosecutor Ingrid Isgren, the Swedish assistant prosecutor, and a Swedish police investigator are allowed to be present at the interview. They will report the findings to Sweden next week, according to the Daily Mail.
“After this report, the prosecutors will take a view on the continuation of the investigation … As the investigation is ongoing, it is subject to confidentiality … Therefore, the prosecutors cannot provide information concerning details of the investigation after the interview.”
Reuters reported a statement from the Swedish Prosecution Authority about Assange’s upcoming sexual assault interview.
“Ecuador has granted the Swedish request for legal assistance in criminal matters and the interview will be conducted by an Ecuadorian prosecutor.”
Julian Assange has been living under political asylum inside the Ecuadorian embassy since 2012. Assange has been living there to avoid being extradited to Sweden, where he could face sexual assault charges. According to the The Wall Street Journal, Julian also believes if he is extradited to Sweden he will then be extradited to the U.S., where he could face espionage charges due to leaking thousands of classified documents on the WikiLeaks website.
“The results of the interview will later be reported from Ecuador to the Swedish prosecutors in a written statement… Ingrid Isgren will not give interviews during her stay in London. As the investigation is ongoing, it is subject to confidentiality. This confidentiality also applies according to Ecuadorian legislation for the investigative measures conducted at the embassy.”
US attempting to squeeze #WikiLeaks through my refugee status: Julian #Assange talks to John Pilger (FULL INTERVIEW) https://t.co/qmZHXf6dNq
— RT (@RT_com) November 7, 2016
An appeal made from Assange to stop the arrest warrant for sexual assault allegations was rejected by a Swedish court, International Business Times reported. Assange has denied all allegations against him. Authorities said that the statute of limitations on the charges against Assange runs through 2020. Many supporters claim the charges were fabricated to help the U.S. catch him, according to the Daily Mail.
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The WikiLeaks scandal made headlines around the world and forced Assange to go underground in Stockholm. He claimed it was a smear campaign possibly initiated by the CIA or the Pentagon, according to the Daily Mail. Assange was attending a seminar six years ago when he found himself facing charges of rape and sexual molestation.
Director of Prosecution Marianne Ny, who is responsible for the investigation, said after the report the prosecutors will decide whether to continue the investigation, according to the website Mashable.
“I welcome the fact that the investigation can now move forward via an interview with the suspect.”
Julian Assange’s request to leave the Ecuadorian embassy to attend the funeral of his friend and mentor Gavin MacFadyen was recently blocked.
Wikileaks' Julian Assange denied permission to leave the Ecuadorian embassy in London|Daily Mail Online #LoserTrump https://t.co/n0sZ9HdPOS
— Robin (@RobinBall1961) October 29, 2016
The Daily Mail reported Assange’s living space is a cramped 15 f00t by 13 f00t (4.6 by 4 meter) room which is divided into an office and a living area. Julian has a treadmill, shower, microwave, and sun lamp.
[Featured Images by Carl Court/Getty Images]
