Sweden drops some sex cases against Assange

HELSINKI (AP) – Swedish prosecutors say they have dropped investigating two cases of sexual crimes against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange because they have expired, but will continue to investigate accusations of rape against him.

The Swedish Prosecution Authority says it has been unable to charge the 44-year-old Australian, who escaped a Swedish arrest warrant by taking refuge in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London in 2012. He was wanted by police for questioning on four allegations involving rape and sexual misconduct made by two women during his 2010 visit to Sweden.

The agency said Thursday that a third case of sexual molestation “will be time-barred” on Aug. 18, but he was still wanted for questioning on allegations of rape that expire in 2020.