9 Feb 2011

Assange prosecutors accused of improper procedures

9:11 am on 9 February 2011

Swedish prosecutors have been accused of not following proper procedures while investigating rape claims against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

Mr Assange has appeared in a British court for a second day, to fight his extradition to Sweden.

The 39-year-old Australian faces allegations of sexual assault against two women in Stockholm in August last year, which he denies.

Radio New Zealand's correspondent in the UK says Mr Assange's legal team presented several different arguments to fight his extradition.

The grounds included that he would not get a fair trial in Sweden.

Witness Sven-Erik Alhem, a former Swedish prosecutor, said it was quite peculiar that authorities did not get the Wikileaks founder's version of events before seeking his arrest, the BBC reports.

Prosecutors said repeated attempts were made to persuade him to be interviewed.

The extradition hearing is to resume on Friday.