Sweden withdraws rape warrant against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange

LONDON - Swedish authorities have withdrawn an arrest warrant against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, stating that the accusation of rape against him was unfounded.

“I don’t think there is reason to suspect that he has committed rape,” The Telegraph quoted Chief Prosecutor Eva Finne, as saying while announcing the withdrawal of the warrant.

She, however, did not address the status of the molestation case, a less serious charge that reportedly would not lead to an arrest warrant.

The move came just a day after a warrant was issued by Sweden’s prosecutors’ office in Stockholm in response to accusations of rape and molestation in two separate cases.

Two women complained against the Australian-born Internet activist in Sweden, where he had been staying for the last week.

During his stay in Sweden, he announced that his whistleblower website intends to publish further secret military documents on the war in Afghanistan.

On hearing about the rape allegations, he issued a statement of denial saying that the complaints might have been made in a bid to discredit him.

“Why these accusations are popping up right now is an interesting question. I have not been contacted by police. These allegations are false,” he added.

The Wikileaks Twitter page further dismissed the assault claims, calling them “dirty tricks”.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has said that it would be the “height of irresponsibility” if WikiLeaks proceeds with a new threat to publish outstanding documents it has on the Afghan war. (ANI)