Wednesday, September 1, 2010

BBC News - Sweden reopens Wikileaks founder rape investigation UPDATE 9/1/10 6:00am

Sweden reopens Wikileaks founder rape investigation

breaking news

A senior Swedish prosecutor has ordered the reopening of a rape investigation into Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

Public Prosecutions Director Marianne Ny said there was "reason to believe a crime has been committed" and the crime was classified as rape.

Last week prosecutors cancelled an arrest warrant for Mr Assange on accusations of rape and molestation, saying he was no longer suspected.

Mr Assange denies any wrongdoing saying the accusations are "without basis".

When the allegations first emerged, he said their appearance at a time when Wikileaks had been criticised for leaking Afghan war documents was "deeply disturbing".

In July, Wikileaks published more than 75,000 secret US military documents on the war in Afghanistan.

US authorities criticised the leak, saying it could put the lives of coalition soldiers and Afghans, especially informers, at risk.

The decision to reopen the case follows an appeal by a Swedish woman who has accused Mr Assange of raping her.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11151277

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