Why isnt the case tried in his absence??? Its not like it hasnt happened before. Well for one thing there have been no "formal" charges brought against Assange in a Swedish court of Law. He is wanted for questioning by the Swedish prosecutor, according to the Laws of the EU this is enough for an extradiction.
The Swedish prosecution knows that they have no case in a court of Law, all they want is to get him to Sweden so they can ship him to the States.
But like someone above me said, most people dont give a shit, and even accusing someone of rape is enough to discredit them with 99% of the population...
I have a nifty blue line!