WikiLeaks founder placed on most-wanted list

Interpol has placed the Australian-born founder of WikiLeaks on its most-wanted list after Sweden issued an arrest warrant against him as part of a drawn-out rape investigation.

The Lyon, France-based international police organisation has issued a "red notice" for 39-year old Julian Assange - the equivalent of putting him on its most wanted list.

The move by Interpol was expected after a Swedish court in mid-November approved a motion to have Mr Assange brought in for questioning.

The notice, posted on Interpol's site yesterday, is likely to make international travel more difficult for him.

Mr Assange, whose whereabouts are unknown, is suspected of rape, sexual molestation and unlawful coercion.

He has denied the allegations, which stem from his encounters with two women during a visit to Sweden in August.

Mr Assange's lawyer said that the decision to add him to Interpol's most wanted list showed his client was being persecuted.

Media lawyer Mark Stephens said Mr Assange had not been provided with any information beyond what has been reported in the press about the sexual misconduct case against him in Sweden.

He said Mr Assange repeatedly sought meetings with Swedish prosecutor Marianne Ny.

He said it was bizarre that Ms Ny sought an arrest warrant after having ignored or rejected Mr Assange’s offers of voluntary cooperation.

He added that this appears to be “a persecution and not a prosecution.”