Director of Public Prosecution, Ms Marianne Ny, has today decided to discontinue the investigation regarding the suspected rape (lesser degree) by Julian Assange. The motive is that there is no reason to believe that the decision to surrender him to Sweden can be executed in the foreseeable future.

- Almost 5 years ago Julian Assange was permitted refuge at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he has resided ever since. In doing so, he has escaped all attempts by the Swedish and British authorities to execute the decision to surrender him to Sweden in accordance with the EU rules concerning the European Arrest Warrant. My assessment is that the surrender cannot be executed in the foreseeable future, says Marianne Ny. According to Swedish legislation, a criminal investigation is to be conducted as quickly as possible. At the point when a prosecutor has exhausted the possibilities to continue the investigation, the prosecutor is obliged to discontinue the investigation. - At this point, all possibilities to conduct the investigation are exhausted. In order to proceed with the case, Julian Assange would have to be formally notified of the criminal suspicions against him. We cannot expect to receive assistance from Ecuador regarding this. Therefore the investigation is discontinued. - If he, at a later date, makes himself available, I will be able to decide to resume the investigation immediately, says Marianne Ny. As a result of the decision to discontinue the investigation, the prosecutor has reversed the decision to detain him in his absence and withdrawn the EAW. - In view of the fact that all prospects of pursuing the investigation under present circumstances are exhausted, it appears that it is no longer proportionate to maintain the arrest of Julian Assange in his absence. Consequently, there is no basis upon which to continue the investigation, says Marianne Ny. Translation of the decision (pdf) Case no. in Stockholm District Court:B 12885-10 Press service+46 10 562 50 20

Director of Public Prosecution, Ms Marianne Ny, has today decided to discontinue the investigation regarding suspected rape (lesser degree) by Julian Assange.

At the press conference today, Director of Public Prosecution Marianne Ny and Chief Prosecutor Ingrid Isgren will give information about the decision. Case no. in Stockholm District Court:B 12885-10 Press service+46 10 562 50 20

Director of Public Prosecutions Marianne Ny and Chief Prosecutor Ingrid Isgren will hold a press conference on the continuation of the Assange case on 19 May 2017.

By 19 May at the latest, the prosecutors will submit a statement to the Stockholm District Court regarding the detention of Julian Assange. Julian Assange's lawyers have requested that the district court revoke the warrant of arrest. The prosecutors will hold the press conference to provide further details concerning how the case will proceed. The press conference will take place on Friday 19 May from 12:00 to 13:30 at Polishuset, Stockholm, entrance Kungsholmsgatan 37. Entrance no earlier than 11.30. Include press ID or certificate from editorial staff. Please note only accredited journalists can attend. Sign up at [email protected] by Thursday 18 May at 14.00 at the latest. The prosecutors' presentation will be interpreted from Swedish to English. There will be opportunities for group interviews after the presentation. Questions will also be interpreted from Swedish to English, and vice versa, if needed. For further information about the case, see https://www.aklagare.se/nyheter-press/for-media/assangearendet/ Contact: Press Service +46 10-562 50 20, Annika Collin, Press Officer +46 10-562 50 15, Karin Rosander, Director of Communications +46 10-562 50 10.

Deputy Chief Prosecutor Hans Ihrman, has today requested the Stockholm District Court to permit extended time to continue the preliminary investigation in the case concerning suspected terrorist crime at Drottninggatan on 7 April.

- Substantial investigative matters remain, such as further interviews, analyses, surveys and technical investigations, before the investigation can be completed, says Hans Ihrman at the National Security Unit. For the time being, the prosecutor cannot provide further information. Court´s case number: B 4708-17 Press service46 10 562 50 20