Wikileaks founder faces rape charge

The authorities in Sweden say they have issued a warrant for the arrest of the Wikileaks founder Julian Assange who is wanted on suspicion of rape and molestation.

Prosecutors in Stockholm have urged him to contact the police for questioning in connection with the allegations.

Australian-born Julian Assange used the Wikileaks Twitter account to deny the charges, which were first reported in a Swedish tabloid newspaper.

Wikileaks hit the headlines last month after releasing almost 80 000 secret US military documents detailing the conflict in Afghanistan.

The Pentagon condemned the publication and also criticised Wikileaks’ pledge to release a further 15 000 documents over the coming weeks.

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