Swedish law requires an interview with the suspect before charges can be filed. As Assange was holed up in the embassy, the interview couldn’t take place. Ultimately he was able to run out the clock on the statute of limitations on the lesser charges.
Assange was a fugitive. Regardless of what else he may have done, he was guilty of skipping bail and it was for that offence the CPS sought to apprehend and prosecute him.
He was also subject to a valid European Arrest Warrant, which would open extradition proceedings once the UK offence had been dealt with.
That’s not quite fair and accurate.
Swedish law requires an interview with the suspect before charges can be filed. As Assange was holed up in the embassy, the interview couldn’t take place. Ultimately he was able to run out the clock on the statute of limitations on the lesser charges.
Assange was a fugitive. Regardless of what else he may have done, he was guilty of skipping bail and it was for that offence the CPS sought to apprehend and prosecute him.
He was also subject to a valid European Arrest Warrant, which would open extradition proceedings once the UK offence had been dealt with.