WikiLeaks 'rape' victims had hidden agendas, claims Assange's lawyer

London, Dec 12 (ANI): In an exclusive interview, the lawyer of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has said that he had seen secret police documents that prove his client is innocent of rape claims made against him by two Swedish women.

Bjorn Hurtig, who is representing Assange in Sweden, said the papers, which form part of the official Swedish investigation, reveal both women had 'hidden agendas' and lied about being coerced into having sex with his client, reports the Daily Mail.

"From what I have read, it is clear that the women are lying and that they had an agenda when they went to the police, which had nothing to do with a crime having taken place," said Hurtig from his Stockholm office.

"It was, I believe, more about jealousy and disappointment on their part. I can prove that at least one of them had very big expectations for something to happen with Julian," he added.

Assange is currently lodged in a London jail while fighting extradition to face the accusations, which his defenders say are part of a plot to stop him releasing more embarrassing information on his website about governments worldwide.

The WikiLeaks founder reportedly met both the women at a seminar in Stockholm last August. After having intercourse with each, at different times, he faced sex charges - which he strenuously denies - that were withdrawn and then reinstated.

Hurtig has asked for Swedish prosecutors' permission to disclose more 'sensational' information.

"If I am able to reveal what I know, everyone will realise this is all a charade," he said.

"If I could tell the British courts, I suspect it would make extradition a moot point. But at the moment I'm bound by the rules of the Swedish legal system, which say that the information can only be used as evidence in this country. For me to do otherwise would lead to me being disbarred," he added.

Hurtig, a top sex-crime defence lawyer, is ready to fly to London and present the evidence when Assange appears in court this week - if he is given the all-clear.

One of the women, a political activist in her 30s described as Miss A, claims she was unlawfully coerced and subjected to sexual molestation and deliberate molestation. The other woman, Miss B, who is in her 20s, has alleged he had sex with her without a condom while she was sleeping.

"I don't believe Miss B felt she had been raped until she went to the police station. She was encouraged by a policewoman and a junior female prosecutor to think that way. While I don't think there was any conspiracy, Julian says he is being victimised because of his role with WikiLeaks. The fact that he has a high profile has made him a target for opponents," said Hurtig.

He, however, remains confident that his client will get a fair hearing in Sweden. (ANI)