Sweden: Date set for questioning of Assange in rape case

STOCKHOLM – Swedish prosecutors say an Ecuadorian official will interrogate WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on their behalf next month in the South American country’s embassy in London.

Assange is accused of rape in an investigation stemming from his visit to Sweden in 2010. He denies the allegations and avoided extradition from Britain in 2012 by seeking asylum at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.

Swedish prosecutors said Wednesday they have received notice from Ecuador that an Ecuadorian prosecutor will question Assange on Oct. 17. They said Swedish investigators will be allowed to be present and ask follow-up questions through the Ecuadorian prosecutor.

The interrogation has been delayed multiple times as the two countries discussed conditions and timing.

Swedish prosecutors say they need to question Assange before deciding whether to formally charge him.