WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday lost his appeal at the Supreme Court in London against extradition to Sweden, where he faces sexual assault allegations.
The judges ruled with a majority of 5 to 2 that the Swedish prosecutor who issued the arrest warrant was a "legitimate judicial authority."
The decision means that Assange, 40, can be extradited. But his lawyers immediately requested to be given leave to appeal to reopen the case, DPA reported.
That means that Assange can stay in Britain for a further 14 days. He was not in court to hear the ruling.
Assange, an Australian, was arrested in London in December, 2010. He denies the alleged sexual offences and says the Swedish extradition request is politically motivated.
WikiLeaks, the whistle-blowing website, published a mass of confidential US diplomatic cables last year.
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