WikiLeaks Founder Wanted on Rape Charges
The Associated Press is reporting that Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange is being sought by Swedish authorities on suspicion of rape:
Assange addressed the report on WikiLeaks Twitter page, saying "the charges are without basis and their issue at this moment is deeply disturbing."
The prosecutor's office in Stockholm issued a brief statement saying it "confirms media reports that a foreign citizen has been arrested in absentia" but didn't name Assange.
"The arrest refers to two separate events, one complaint of molestation and one complaint of rape," the statement said.
"The person is arrested in absentia, as there is a risk that he could obstruct the investigation," it said.
Expressen said prosecutor Maria Haljebo Kjellstrand confirmed that Assange, who is an Australian citizen, was the person sought on the warrant. Haljebo Kjellstrand could not be reached for comment Saturday.
The prosecutor's office said all information related to the case would be posted on its website.
"We were warned to expect 'dirty tricks.' Now we have the first one," WikiLeaks said on its Twitter page. "Expressen is a tabloid; No one here has been contacted by Swedish police. Needless to say this will prove hugely distracting," it said in another tweet.
Assange addressed the report on WikiLeaks Twitter page, saying "the charges are without basis and their issue at this moment is deeply disturbing."
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