Sweden re-opens Julian Assange rape probe as WikiLeaks boss faces extradition

SWEDISH prosecutors have announced they are to reopen the rape case against Julian Assange.

The Wikileaks founder spent nearly seven years living in the Ecuadorian embassy – where he sought political asylum – until last month, when he was dramatically dragged out by police.

The 47-year-old was sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for a bail violation and is fighting extradition to the US where he is wanted for questioning over the activities of WikiLeaks.

At the time he jumped bail he was facing extradition to Sweden for questioning over rape and sexual assault allegations made by two women.

Swedish prosecutors filed preliminary charges a step short of formal charges against Assange after he visited the country in 2010.

Seven years later, a case of alleged sexual misconduct was dropped when the statute of limitations expired.

That left a rape allegation, and the case was closed as it couldn’t be pursued while Assange was living at the embassy and there was no prospect of bringing him to Sweden.

The statute of limitations on that case expires in August 2020.

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