Canadian writer and human rights activist Oxblood Ruffin believes that the High Court decision to not allow Gary McKinnon to face trial in the UK instead of the US represents "an appalling day for every British citizen."
Hacker McKinnon's many supporters wanted him to face trial in the UK, but it looks like his numerous appeals against extradition have now hit a brick wall.
Some commentators are saying that he could, feasibly, be facing over 60 years in a US jail, should the American Government throw the book at him.
In addition to being a sad day for the British legal system, the decision is "a horrible day for Gary McKinnon and his family," adds Ruffin.
Lapdog treaty
"The extradition treaty under which Mr McKinnon is being delivered is ridiculously lopsided. Under its terms, the US can simply demand that any Brit be handed over for trial, without proof of any kind," the human rights and cybercrime specialist added.
"Today it started with someone, who for all intents and purposes, is mentally incompetent. Tomorrow, it could be anyone. I'm furious over Labour's cowardice.
"This Lapdog Treaty has to go, and so does this Government."
Your comments (4) Click to add a new comment
asd
August 1st
4. @ "bitsink" do you really think an american citizen wouldnt be charged the same? fyi - they have been in the past. i really dont understand why there is support for this criminal. its black and white. he broke the law. maybe he shouldnt get 60 years because that is a bit much and i very much doubt that will happen, especially with teh world watching. but he deserves to be punished.
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bitsink
July 31st
3. OK so he broke the "Law" Would the same be applied to an American citizen? I think not.
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asd
July 31st
2. "An appalling day for every British citizen"?! what a joke! he hacked u.s govt classified data - what was he expecting? a slap on the wrist? he commited a crime in that country, so he should face punishment in that country. if someone bombed the u.k would you not expect them to ideally face trial here rather than a country that will be potentially more lenient?i have no want for my tax payers money to be spent on his case. he deserves whatever he gets.
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ripsnorter
July 31st
1. There is no doubt that the American government will seek to throw not only the book but the entire Library of Congress at Gary McKinnon. But... by all admission he has broken the law.
The High Court is not partisan. It listened to arguments from both sides and then made its decision. McKinnon will be able to put forward his defence during his trial, and that will include any mitigation on grounds of mental health.
To read, as some writers on Techradar have reported, that more serious hacking takes place, which it does, and goes unpunished, which it does, is to miss the point. It's the legal equivalent of claiming that you've murdered only one person while someone out there is serial killing their way through society! All well and true, but that changes nothing in McKinnon's case.
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