WikiLeaks’ Julian Assange Runs to Ecuadorian Embassy in UK for Protection
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange sought refuge late Tuesday on Ecuador's embassy in London, barely a week after the UK High Court had allowed the procedures for his extradition to Sweden to begin. REUTERS

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has appealed against the decision by the Supreme Court to support his extradition to Sweden to face allegations of sex offences.

Adding another chapter to an 18-month-long legal battle, Assange's lawyers have asked the court to reopen the case and reconsider the validity of a the European warrant for his extradition.

In May the court rejected the Australian's appeal against the extradition by a majority vote of five to two, deciding that the arrest warrant had been lawfully issued by a public prosecutor.

Assange's team had argued that the prosecutor's warrant was invalid, as in Britain they must be issued by a judge or court.

It is understood that Assange's lawyers have protested that judges formed their decision on a legal point, article 31 of the Vienna Convention, that was not argued in court, blocking the defence team from making a submission on the point.

Even if the appeal fails, Assange would still be able to take his case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. He was first arrested over the allegations in December 2010.

Human rights Supreme Court WikiLeaks