The District Court in Stockholm confirmed today the warrant for the arrest of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for alleged crimes of rape and sexual harassment, which he denies.
As reported by Reuters, the district court assessed that it is still necessary for the order to remain in force, said judge Lena Egelin.
Prosecutors in Sweden want to question Assange about the allegations of two former WikiLeaks volunteers, the British agency reminds.
Assange's defense requested that the arrest warrant be revoked, pointing out that according to Swedish criminal law, the prosecution should investigate the circumstances of the event as soon as possible and that damages such as financial or to the reputation of the accused should be minimized.
"The fact that the investigation in the case has been going on for four years and the accused has not been interrogated during that time is a strong reason to revoke the warrant for his arrest," stated lawyers Thomas Olson and Per Samuelson, recalling that they asked the prosecution for permission to interrogate Assange. in London, but received a negative response.
Two Swedish citizens have accused Assange of sexual harassment, but no formal charges have been brought against him.
Assange's lawyers Thomas Olson and Per Samuelson (photo: Reuters)
According to Swedish laws, a suspect can be accused of committing a criminal offense only after interrogation, during which he can name witnesses willing to testify in his favor, according to Itartas s.
The Australian denies his guilt completely, and the Swedish authorities have been seeking the arrest and extradition of Assange since 2010.
In 2011, the British court ruled on the extradition of Assange to Sweden, after which he hid on the territory of the Ecuadorian embassy in London - where he remains to this day.
His extradition is also sought by the USA, which believes that the publication of secrets about American politics and diplomacy on "WikiLeaks" harmed American national security, which is why Assange fears that Sweden could hand him over to the USA.
Assange's lawyer Olson has announced that he will appeal against today's decision of the District Court in Stockholm.
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