Why is Julian Assange so reluctant to return to Sweden, where the number of rape accusations is so much higher than most other European countries, but rape convictions are among the lowest? Awful as it is to doubt a woman's claims of sexual assault, any prosecution would seem to be on questionable ground. According to reports, one woman claims that a crime was committed against her because the consensual condom was broken, she says deliberately by Assange. Just weird, especially when she remained "thrilled" to be hosting a party for him the next day.

The other reportedly says Assange had sex with her consensually at night, but non-consensually – and without a condom – when she hadn't achieved consciousness in the morning. (It certainly puts a new slant on the unfortunate NHS advertising slogan: "Wake up to rape.") The second woman didn't get upset until she had met and exchanged notes with the first one. Neither did the first, for that matter.

Assange hardly comes over as Prince Charming, but Lord knows that's not a crime. Meanwhile, Sweden offers some of the most powerful source protection legislation in the world. Assange should high-tail it off to Scandinavia, clear his name (since he professes innocence), and in the transparent and open way he promotes so passionately. Then he should claim political asylum. He's safer in Sweden than in Britain, I fear.