Sweden to Interview Julian Assange on Oct. 17

The WikiLeaks founder entered his fifth year inside the Ecuadorean Embassy on June 20 in conditions the United Nations has deemed arbitrary.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be interviewed at Ecuador's London embassy on October 17, Swedish prosecutors said on Wednesday, report Reuters.  

The interview will be conducted by an Ecuadorean prosecutor. Chief prosecutor Ingrid Isgren and a Swedish police investigator will be allowed to be present to ask questions through the Ecuadorean prosecutor, the Swedish prosecutors said in a statement.

Swedish authorities want to question Assange, 45, over allegations that he committed rape in 2010. Assange denies the allegations.

The WikiLeaks founder avoided possible extradition to Sweden by taking refuge in the embassy, where Ecuador has repeatedly called for Swedish prosecutors to take Assange's statements.

The WikiLeaks founder entered his fifth year inside the Ecuadorean Embassy on June 20 in conditions the United Nations has deemed arbitrary detention.  

Swedish and British authorities dismissed the U.N. ruling, which was made a day before the former requested to interview Assange in London.

Ecuador’s decision to continue to grant asylum to Assange has sparked friction with not just Sweden and the U.S., but also the U.K.

But Ecuador has been steadfast in the decision it took up in August 2012, reaffirming its commitment in August.                          

“The protection afforded by the Ecuadorian State shall continue while the circumstances persist that led to the granting of asylum, namely fears of political persecution," a statement released by the Ecuador's Foreign Ministry read.