In a significant development for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange's decade-long legal battle, a British court has granted him permission to launch a full appeal against his extradition to the United States. The decision comes as two judges at the High Court in London ruled in favor of Assange's argument that he might face discrimination as a foreign national.

Assange's legal avenues in the UK would have been exhausted if the court had ruled in favor of his extradition. His legal team warned that he could have been put on a plane to the US within 24 hours in such a scenario. However, with the court's decision to allow a full appeal, Assange's extradition remains on hold for now.

During the hearing, Assange's lawyer Edward Fitzgerald raised concerns about the assurances provided by American prosecutors regarding his client's rights under the First Amendment. Fitzgerald argued that these assurances were inadequate, as a US court would not be bound by them. However, an assurance was accepted regarding the absence of a death penalty for Assange.

The lengthy appeal process means that it could still be months before the case is heard. Assange, for health reasons, did not attend the court proceedings where his fate was being debated. Outside the court, hundreds of protesters gathered and celebrated the news of the verdict.

Following the hearing, Assange's wife, Stella, expressed relief over the court's decision and called on the US administration to drop the case. She emphasized that it was time to put an end to the "terrible prosecution" that the current administration had inherited.

Assange has been fighting extradition for over a decade, spending seven years in self-exile at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London before being imprisoned at Belmarsh Prison for the past five years. The US has indicted him on 17 charges of espionage and one charge of computer misuse, relating to WikiLeaks' publication of classified documents that he obtained from Chelsea Manning, a former US Army intelligence analyst.

Prosecutors from the US argued that Assange's actions endangered lives and posed threats to national security. His defense team, however, maintains that he was engaged in legitimate journalistic practices and that the prosecution is politically motivated.

The case has received ongoing international attention, with many supporters criticizing the prosecution and calling for it to be dropped. Among those urging for a resolution are Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and various rights groups.

Assange's legal troubles began in 2010 when he was arrested in London at the request of Sweden, which sought to question him regarding allegations of rape and sexual assault. After seeking refuge at the Ecuadorian Embassy, he was evicted in 2019 and subsequently arrested. Sweden dropped the investigations against him in 2019 due to time elapsed.

As the legal battle continues, Australia has pursued diplomatic avenues, urging the US to drop the extradition efforts and allow Assange to return to his homeland. President Joe Biden's administration has acknowledged Australia's request, stating that they are considering the matter.