Sweden's chief prosecutor has said she would reopen a preliminary investigation into rape charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

"There is reason to believe that a crime has been committed. Considering information available at present, my judgement is that the classification of the crime is rape," Director of Public Prosecution Marianne Ny said in a statement.

The case had previously been dropped by a Stockholm prosecutor, who said there was nothing suggesting Assange had raped a Swedish woman who reported him to police.

The alleged victim's lawyer appealed the decision, and on Wednesday Ny announced she would reopen the case.

Swedish residence application

Sweden plays hosts to many of Wikileaks servers

In August, the Australian founder of the controversial website filed an application to the Swedish Migration Board for a permit to stay and work in Sweden.

WikiLeaks made headlines in July when it published thousands of classified documents about the war in Afghanistan. The Pentagon responded angrily and said the information could put soldiers and Afghan informants in danger.

Author: Sarah Harman (dpa/AFP)

Editor: Nancy Isenson