One for Assange
| MAY 22, 2017, 04:15 AM IST
For WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, who has been in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012, the announcement by Swedish prosecutor that the rape case against him has been dropped, is a huge relief. With this development the European arrest warrant against him stands withdrawn. The prosecutor said the decision to drop the case was based on the analysis that there was no chance of bringing Assange to trial before the statute of limitation kicks in in 2020. This does not mean Assange is a free man. He is still wanted by Scotland Yard for jumping bail, which by comparison, is a small offence, but which the police are determined to pursue. The WikiLeaks founder’s legal problems are complicated. He is wanted in the United State for leaking classified information and Assange’s stay at the embassy will continue until this matter is cleared. Meanwhile, his legal team is in talks with the British government on how to take this matter forward and the Ecuadorian government is using diplomatic channels to ensure safe passage for Assange to Ecuador where he will continue to live out his asylum. Despite what happens from now on, the decision of the Swedish prosecutors to drop rape charges changes the situation in favour of Assange. The journey to full freedom is going to be torturous, but it does appear that the worst is behind him.
