12 August 2015, 15:22 GMT
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Earlier in the day, the Swedish authorities announced that three sexual assault cases against Assange, who has been residing in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012, would be discontinued, as the statute of limitation would shortly expire. A rape count would remain in force until 2020.
“Ecuador must recognise that its decision to harbour Mr Assange more than three years ago has prevented the proper course of justice. As a result, some of the serious sexual allegations against him will now expire,” the minister said in a statement published on the UK government’s website.
In 2010, the Swedish authorities accused, but did not charge, Assange of unlawful sexual coercion and rape.
The whistleblower denied the accusations, stating that the Swedish extradition attempts are aimed at sending him to the United States, where he faces espionage charges for publishing online thousands of leaked top-secret military documents and diplomatic cables.
