Julian Assange: WikiLeaks founder could still be extradited as Swedish court upholds detention order

An Ecuadorian prosecutor will question Mr Assange on behlf of Swedish investigators

File photo of Julian Assange dated 05/02/16, as Sweden's Court of Appeal has refused a bid by the WikiLeaks founder to have his case 'set aside', saying no new information has emerged (PA)

A Swedish appeals court has upheld a detention order for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Mr Assange is wanted by prosecutors in a rape investigation stemming from his visit to Sweden in 2010.

The decision made by the Svea Court of Appeal on Friday means the arrest warrant stands for the 45-year-old Australian, who has avoided extradition to Sweden by taking shelter in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London since 2012.

Mr Assange denies the rape allegation and has challenged the detention order several times.

It is unclear whether he will make an appeal against the decision to the Supreme Court.

Upholding a lower court ruling, the appeals court said Swedish prosecutors are actively trying to move the investigation forward and set up an interrogation of Mr Assange at the embassy.

Acting on behalf of Swedish investigators, an Ecuadorian prosecutor is set to question Mr Assange on 17 October.

"This means that there is at present no reason to set aside the detention order. Julian Assange's claim to that effect shall therefore be refused," the court said.

Additional reporting by AP