‘New questioning required’: Sweden to reopen rape investigation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange
- The state prosecutor said the country would continue a preliminary investigation that was dropped in 2017 after he took refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London
- Assange’s Swedish lawyer said he was ‘surprised’ by the move, and WikiLeaks’ editor-in-chief said the development gave Assange a chance to ‘prove his innocence’
The lawyer for a Swedish woman who reported being raped by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in 2010 said the country’s decision to reopen the rape case was “great news”.
Elisabeth Massi Fritz said the move signalled “that no one stands above the law” and that “the legal system in Sweden doesn’t give a special treatment to anyone”.
Fritz added her client “feels great gratitude”.
Sweden said on Monday it would reopen an investigation into a rape allegation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and seek his extradition from Britain.
State Prosecutor Eva-Marie Persson told a news conference she would continue and conclude a preliminary investigation that was dropped in 2017 without charges being brought, as Assange had taken refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London. “It is my assessment that a new questioning of Assange is required,” she said.