Julian Assange to be questioned by Sweden on Oct 17 in rape probe

STOCKHOLM: Ecuador has set an October 17 date for the questioning of Julian Assange in a Swedish rape investigation, a move that could end a four-year long deadlock

STOCKHOLM: Ecuador has set an October 17 date for the questioning of Julian Assange in a Swedish rape investigation, a move that could end a four-year long deadlock ever since the WikiLeaks founder took refuge in Ecuador’s London embassy.

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Swedish prosecutors said the questioning will be conducted by an Ecuadorian prosecutor. Swedish chief prosecutor Ingrid Isgren and a police investigator will be allowed to be present to ask questions through the Ecuadorian prosecutor, who will later report the findings to Sweden.

“After the report, the Swedish prosecutor will take a view on the continuing of the investigation,” Swedish prosecutors said in a statement. Swedish authorities want to question Assange, 45, over allegations that he committed rape in 2010.

Assange denies the allegations. Even if Sweden drops the investigation, Assange is likely to be arrested for breaching bail conditions in Britain.

On Friday, a Swedish appeals court will take a decision on whether to overturn a European arrest warrant.

Assange filed the request after a UN panel in February said his stay at the embassy equalled arbitrary detention, that he should be let go and be awarded compensation.