WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrested

[spanone]

LONDON — WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange surrendered to U.K. police Tuesday as part of a Swedish sex-crimes investigation, the latest blow to an organization that faces legal, financial and technological challenges after releasing hundreds of secret U.S. diplomatic cables.

Swedish prosecutors issued the arrest warrant for the 39-year-old Australian, who is accused of rape and sexual molestation in one case and of sexual molestation and unlawful coercion in another.

Assange surrendered at 9:30 a.m. local time (4:30 a.m. ET) Tuesday. The U.K.'s Guardian newspaper reported that Assange arrived at court later in the day with both of his British lawyers, Mark Stephens and Jennifer Robinson, and was expected to release a video statement later in the day.

If he challenges his extradition to Sweden, he will likely be remanded into custody or released on bail until another judge rules on whether to extradite him, an official told The Associated Press.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40544697/ns/us_news-wikileaks_in_security/

[Catherina]

1. Sweden. A partner in crime in extraditions

[Luminous Animal]

2. Member of the U.N.'s Internal Justice Council and British Human Rights lawyer.

Geoffrey Robertson QC, has cut short his vacation to defend Assange.