Julian Assange extradition ruling labelled a ‘travesty of justice’

“It is time to put a stop to this more than decade-long persecution once and for all. It is time to free Assange.”

Julian Assange supporters gathered outside the High Court in London on Friday as the ruling was handed down (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)

Human rights and press freedom groups have condemned a High Court ruling that Julian Assange can be extradited to the US as a “travesty of justice” and “hammer-blow to free expression”.

Responding to the decision on Friday, Christophe Deloire, secretary-general of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), said: “We condemn today’s decision, which will prove historic for all the wrong reasons.