Assange interview offer turned down

Published on 02/08/2012 00:00

The Swedish authorities have rejected an offer to interview WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in the embassy in London where he is seeking political asylum.

The Ecuadorian Embassy offered to facilitate a meeting in a bid to break the deadlock over his future.

Mr Assange took refuge in the embassy in June as he fought to avoid being deported to Sweden where he is wanted for questioning over allegations of sex offences, which he denies.

Mr Assange fears he will be extradited to the United States if he travels to Sweden.

He faces arrest if he leaves the embassy, close to the Harrods store in Knightsbridge.

Sources said the Swedish prosecutor refused to interview Mr Assange in London after the offer was made last week, without giving a reason.