Ruling on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's extradition likely by Christmas

LONDON: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is likely to know by December 25 if the Supreme Court will hear his appeal against the recent high court decision to extradite him to Sweden where he faces charges of sexual assault.

Assange can lodge his appeal in the Supreme Court by December 19.

On receiving the appeal, three judges of the court will decide whether it is fit enough for hearing.

This initial decision is expected by 25 December. If the judges decide against the hearing, Assange will face extradition within 10 days.

He was arrested in December last year on a European arrest warrant issued by Sweden following allegations by two women of sexual assault and rape.

Assange, who denies the allegations, has been on bail since, living at a friend's mansion.