Outside the court, protesters held aloft placards imploring "Don't extradite Assange" and attached yellow #FreeAssange ribbons to walls outside the court.

Video. Assange supporters gather in front of court ordering his extradition to US

A UK court on Wednesday issued a formal order to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the United States to face trial over the publication of secret files relating to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

A UK court on Wednesday issued a formal order to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the United States to face trial over the publication of secret files relating to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The decision now rests with interior minister Priti Patel, although Assange may still appeal within 14 days of any decision to approve the extradition.

Outside the court, protesters held aloft placards imploring "Don't extradite Assange" and attached yellow #FreeAssange ribbons to walls outside the court.

The ruling Wednesday by a magistrate in central London brings the long-running legal saga in the UK courts closer to a conclusion.

But Assange's lawyers have until May 18 to make representations to Patel and could potentially launch further appeals on other points in the case.