Sweden seeks to quiz Assange in London over alleged sex assault

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 today.

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 (SPA) said.

The activist has been living inside the Ecuadorian embassy for almost three years, with a constant Metropolitan 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.

An SPA spokesman said: “Director of public prosecution Marianne Ny has submitted a request for legal assistance to the English authorities and a request to Ecuadorian authorities regarding permission to interview Julian Assange at Ecuador’s embassy in London during June-July 2015, at a period of time that would be suitable for all parties concerned.

“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.”

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

The activist, who has been granted political asylum by Ecuador’s government, said at the time that he welcomed the decision but was “irritated” it has taken so long.

He fears being extradited to the United States over secret documents published by the whistleblowing organisation.