Another member leaves group in charge of Nobel Prize in literature

The Swedish Academy said onSaturday another member would step down, compounding one of theworst crises to hit an institution that picks the winners of theNobel Literature prize.

The prestigious Academy has become embroiled in allegationsof sexual misconduct by the husband of one of its members and isreeling over the admission that the names of some prize-winnersthe subject of intense speculation and on which many peopleplace bets were leaked in advance.

"The Swedish Academy wants to inform that Sara Stridsbergtold the academy on April 27 that she wishes to leave her dutiesas a member," the committee said in a statement, giving nofurther details.

Earlier this month, Academy chief Sara Danius stepped downand four other members also announced their withdrawal from theboard in the wake of the controversy.

Arcane rules that make appointments for life have so farmeant that the 18 members have not been able to technicallyresign. But Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf said last week he wouldchange the rules, making it possible to bring in new members.

The crisis enveloping the Nobel literature prize body hassparked speculation in media that the prize could be cancelledthis year. The committee's selections fascinate and often baffleliterature lovers the world over.

The 2016 award to American folk singer and troubadour BobDylan sharply divided opinion over whether a popular musicianshould be given an award that had been largely the domain ofnovelists and playwrights.

The financial crimes unit of the Swedish police said onFriday it had begun an investigation into the Swedish Academy,but gave no further information.