The United Kingdom’s Home Secretary Priti Patel has approved the extradition of WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange to the United States.

On Friday, a statement by a Home Office spokesperson revealed Ms Patel’s decision. 

“On 17 June, following consideration by both the Magistrates’ Court and High Court, the extradition of Mr Julian Assange to the US was ordered. Mr Assange retains the normal 14-day right to appeal,” the statement said.

Mr Assange’s case had passed to Ms Patel last month after the Supreme court ruled that there were no concerns raised over the assurances given by U.S. authorities over Mr Assange’s treatment.

WikiLeaks has responded to the news, describing the decision as “a dark day for press freedom and for British democracy.”

 “This is a dark day for press freedom and. Anyone in this country who cares about freedom of expression should be deeply ashamed that the Home Secretary has approved the extradition of Julian Assange to the United States, the country that plotted his assassination,” a WikiLeaks spokesperson is quoted by The Telegraph. 

In April, A court issued a formal order to extradite Mr Assange to the U.S. to face trial over the publication of secret files relating to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

His extradition request was initially dismissed by a British district court judge last December on the grounds that he was likely to kill himself if held under U.S. prison conditions despite assurances.