WikiLeaks’ Julian Assange Says Sweden Could Drop Allegations Made Against Him

Following his speech from the Ecuadorian embassy in London earlier this month, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says he believes the Swedish government may drop the ongoing case against him.

The 41-year-old is wanted for questioning about two allegations: one for sexual molestation, the other, an alleged rape.

Assange has not been charged with these offences, but Swedish legal authorities want Britain to extradite him to Sweden to continue their investigation. Assange has denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated.

In an interview with Telesur[a Latin American broadcasting network] which took place inside the embassy Assange said:

“The Swedish government could drop the case. I think this is the most likely scenario. Maybe after a thorough investigation of what happened they could drop the case. I think this will be solved in between six and 12 months. That’s what I estimate.”

The besieged Australian native also said he believed his legal fight against extradition to Sweden to face charges “will be solved through diplomacy” and that he could remain in the Knightsbridge embassy for a year.

The Telesur interview has been broadcast in Ecuador and is likely to exacerbate the tension that has developed between Ecuador and Britain after the South American government effectively granted asylum to Assange. Ecuadorian officials say the British government threatened to storm the embassy and arrest Assange. UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has denied this saying:

“This may go on for a long time so we are not making a threat against the embassy of Ecuador. Given Ecuador’s position on what they call diplomatic asylum and our very clear legal position, such a solution is not in sight at the moment.”