Sweden requests Julian Assange interview

Swedish prosecutors have made a request to interview WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in London over sex assault allegations before the end of July, they said.

Sweden’s director of public prosecution, Marianne Ny, has made a formal request to British authorities and those of Ecuador to speak to the Australian at the South American country’s London embassy, the Swedish Prosecution Authority said.

The activist has been living inside the Ecuadorian embassy for almost three years, with a constant police presence outside, after he sought refuge to avoid being extradited to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over allegations linked to two women, which he denies.

The authority spokesman said: “When all necessary permits and arrangements are ready, the investigative matters will be performed by the supporting prosecutor to the case, chief prosecutor Ingrid Isgren, together with a police investigator.

“No information concerning the time for the investigation matters will be provided,” he said.

Sweden announced its intention to interview Assange in London in March, as a way of getting around the current impasse.