Assange questioned in London over alleged sexual assault

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was on Monday to be questioned at the Embassy of Ecuador in London over an alleged sexual assault committed in Sweden in 2010.

A representative for the Swedish prosecutor, Ingrid Isgren, and Swedish police inspector Cecilia Redell were at the embassy to attend the proceedings, with Ecuadorian prosecutor Wilson Toainga tasked with taking statements from the Australian activist.

Isgren did not speak upon her arrival at the embassy, despite being greeted by a large group of journalists gathered outside, EFE news reported.

Assange, who denies the accusations, has spent more than four years holed up inside the embassy, seeking political asylum there over fears he could be extradited to the US.

In August, three of the four charges levelled at Assange by Stockholm expired due to statutes of limitations, two of sexual assault and one of unlawful coercion.

A more serious accusation of rape will not expire until 2020.

Assange refuses to go to Sweden over fears he will eventually be sent to the US, where he could face military justice over thousands of leaked US diplomatic cables.

Questioning at the embassy had initially been scheduled for October 17, but was postponed at the request of Assange, who sought assurance of "his rights to the protection and defence of his person".

--IANS

py/dg