MOSCOW, May 30 - RAPSI. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has lost his British Supreme Court appeal on Wednesday against extradition to Sweden for questioning over alleged sex offences.

Assange, the founder of the WikiLeaks, the whistle blowing website which has become notorious for publishing secret files and emails, was accused of sex attacks in Sweden in August 2010, and had argued that the European Arrest Warrant issued for him was not valid because it was issued by prosecutors rather than a judge. Assange claims the allegations against him are politically motivated.

The Supreme Court, Britain's highest court, rejected his claim in a 5-2 majority ruling made of senior judges, according to a press statement from the court.

The Swedish public prosecutor's request "for Mr Assange's extradition has been lawfully made and his appeal against extradition is accordingly dismissed," the court statement said.

The 40-year-old Australian, who has spent almost two years under house arrest in Britain, did not attend the hearing.

Assange's lawyer, Dinah Rose, requested a two week delay to determine whether to ask the court to reopen the case.

Two lower courts previously approved the internet activist's extradition.