wikileaks founder

Rape Charge Against Assange Dropped

Warrant canceled, but molestation charges remain.

An arrest warrant issued in Sweden for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on suspicion of rape has been withdrawn, according to NBC News. Though the rape charges were dropped, Assange still faces a separate molestation charge, though police say that case does not at this point warrant an arrest. Assange responded to the initial claims on Twitter, tweeting, "the charges are without basis and their issue at this moment is deeply disturbing." WikiLeaks also tweeted, "We were warned to expect 'dirty tricks.' Now we have the first one.” The group added that no one has been contacted by the police. Assange has angered many Western governments by posting top secret documents about the war in Afghanistan that their militaries say put troops and Afghan civilians in harm’s way.