[octover]

I always wondered why if the extradition is just to question him, it would be cheaper to just fly out a Swedish prosecutor/team and conduct the interview in the UK. Then they could determine if it should file charges and from what I understand the extradition for a trial is clearer and simpler to obtain.

Swedish prosecutors might be immune from official or open political pressure, but I'm sure back channels exist. That said I don't think any are being used in this case.

One thing I've seen a handful of times in Sweden, is a problem the US has too, prosecutors trying to make a name for themselves. I'd say that is what is overcoming the shaky facts of the case, a prosecutor who thinks it could pay off career wise.