Julian Assange wins right to appeal against extradition: how did we get here and what happens next?

A protester outside the high court in London on Monday. The court has ruled that Julian Assange can appeal against an order that he be extradited to the US on espionage charges. Photograph: Kin Cheung/AP

Julian Assange has won a potentially crucial victory in his long-running legal battle against US attempts to extradite him from the UK to face trial on espionage charges.

Supporters of the founder of the WikiLeaks website erupted in cheers outside the high court in London after judges ruled that he should be allowed to bring a fresh appeal against his extradition.