Sweden re-opens rape investigation of WikiLeaks founder

Swedish authorities are re-opening their preliminary investigation of rape allegations against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, according to reports on Wednesday.

Swedish prosecutors recently issued a warrant for Assange, claiming he was wanted for one charge of rape and one charge of molestation, only to pull the warrant for the rape charge less than 24 hours later, citing insufficient evidence. The molestation charge by itself would not force a warrant. But now the prosecutor says there is enough evidence to conclude a crime has taken place.

“We have gone through the case, and it is my opinion that regarding the first part there is reason to assume that a crime that falls under public prosecution has been committed,” Director of Public Prosecution Marianne Ny said in a statement. “There is also reason to investigate further.”

The investigation has been widened to include both the rape and molestation allegations. Assange was questioned about the molestation charge two days ago; his lawyer said he was disappointed his name had been released to the media.

“Assange is disappointed, angry and surprised that this can happen in a state governed by law,” Leif Silbersky, Assange’s lawyer, told Bloomberg. “He rejects the accusations.” 

WikiLeaks drew headlines in July when it released 70,000 documents related to the war in Afghanistan that revealed American suspicions the Pakistani government is providing ongoing aid to the Taliban and other insurgents. The site also recently published a CIA memo discussing the potential response if America is viewed as an "exporter of terrorism."

A spokesperson for the lawyer of the women who filed the charges described them as relieved, but declined to give any additional information on the alleged victims.