Britain approves US request for Assange

The US will seek Assange's extradition in a London court. The U.S. has charged Assange with 18 counts related to endangering national security by conspiring to obtain and disclose classified information.

London: In a major blow to Julian Assange, the United Kingdom has approved US request for his extradition to the US. Currently, Assange is in a British jail.

Sajid Javid, the British Home Secretary is reported to have signed the papers on Wednesday regarding the matter. On Tuesday, the US Justice Department formally requested Britain to extradite Assange.

The case is now before the courts. The US will seek Assange's extradition in a London court on Friday. In addition to various charges, Assange is also charged for 'encouraging, receiving and publishing national defence information'.

The UK Home Office, in a statement said, ' ..he ( Assange ) is accused of offences including computer misuse and the unauthorised disclosure of national defence information'. The statement further said, 'we have received the full extradition request which has been certified by the Home Secretary'.

The charges against Assange under the US Espionage Act can carry a maximum penalty of five years.