Judges rule Julian Assange CANNOT be extradited to Sweden but could still face rape questions in Britain

Swedish prosecutors will not be able to extradite Julian Assange from the UK over a rape claim, a court ruled today. The Uppsala District Court rejected a request the WikiLeaks founder be detained in absentia. This complicates the process of having the Australian citizen extradited from the UK for questioning. But a preliminary investigation in to the claims will not be abandoned and Mr Assange can still be questioned in Britain. Assange, 47, is also fighting extradition to the U.S., which accuses him of publishing secret documents. He is facing a total of 18 charges - most relating to obtaining and disseminating classified information including military documents and diplomatic cables. Hecould be sentenced to 175 years in prison if convicted on all 18 counts.