Sweden’s chief prosecutor is questioning WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange about a rape allegation at the Ecuadorean embassy in London.
He denies the allegation that he raped a Swedish woman in 2010.
Swedish prosecutor Ingrid Isgren is listening as an Ecuadorean prosecutor puts the questions to Mr Assange.
He took refuge in the embassy four years ago, fearing extradition. He says the sex was consensual and believes the allegations are politically motivated.
The accusations relate to a visit Mr Assange made to Stockholm in August 2010 to give a lecture.
He has refused to travel to Sweden for questioning over concerns he would be extradited to the US over WikiLeaks’ release of 500,000 secret military files on the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
Mr Assange is accused of offences against two women, named in legal papers only as AA and SW. They are both supporters of WikiLeaks and met him in Sweden. He faces one count of unlawful coercion, two counts of sexual molestation, and one count of rape.
At the embassy he is beyond the reach of the UK authorities. Sweden has issued an arrest warrant for him, which he has appealed against.
Shortly after Ms Isgren entered the embassy, a cat – said to belong to Mr Assange – appeared at one of the windows and began watching the journalists and Assange supporters gathered outside.
The cat has its own Twitter feed, which says it lives with Mr Assange and is “interested in counter-purrveillance”.
Confidentiality
A statement on behalf of the Swedish prosecutors, quoted by the Press Association, said the investigation would remain confidential, including the interview at the embassy.
“Therefore, the prosecutors cannot provide information concerning details of the investigation after the interview,” it said.
One of Mr Assange’s lawyers, Per Samuelson, said his client “is very happy that he finally will be given the opportunity to give his statement to the Swedish prosecution.
“He has been waiting for this for over six years. He has prepared himself very carefully and will give a statement and will co-operate to the full extent.”
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