Management
Technology
- Applications
- Business Intelligence
- Development
- Hardware
- Mobile & Wireless
- Networking
- Internet
- Operating Systems
- Security Products
- Servers & Datacentre
- Storage
Toolbox
Training
Books
White Papers
Webcast
Resource Centre
June 09, 2009
NASA hacker McKinnon in new extradition appeal
Lawyers claim removal could lead to suicide
By Carrie-Ann Skinner
NASA hacker Gary McKinnon is launching another legal battle in a bid to avoid extradition to the US.
Advert
In 2001, McKinnon broke into US military computers, including those belonging to NASA, in what he claims was a bid to prove the US government had knowledge of UFOs.
While he says his actions caused no damage, the US claims he stole 950 passwords, deleted files at a naval base in New Jersey and rendered the military computer networks implemented after September 11 useless. The US estimates the damage caused by McKinnon at $700,000 (£433,000).
In August last year, the European Court of Human Rights agreed to allow McKinnon to be extradited to the US. In a bid to avoid extradition McKinnon told the Crown Prosecution Service he would plead guilty if tried in the UK.
But in February, the CPS refused to bring charges against him, leaving the matter to the US authorities which want to prosecute him themselves.
A judicial review of the original decision to extradite McKinnon, who suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, will take place this week. McKinnon's lawyers are expected to argue that he will be at risk of psychosis or suicide if he is removed from the UK.
In April, supporters of McKinnon gathered at the US embassy in London in protest at his potential extradition.
Follow highlights from ComputerworldUK on Twitter
Sign up for our Daily Newsletter
The UK IT News widget Get it for your site!
« prev article | more security news | next article »
Advert
Email this article to a friend or colleague:
PLEASE NOTE: Your name is used only to let the recipient know who sent the story, and in case of transmission error. Both your name and the recipient's name and address will not be used for any other purpose.
- This article is now being printed.
What are your views on this subject? Use the form below to post a comment on this article up to 1000 characters.
Click below to add 'NASA hacker McKinnon in new extradition appeal - Cybercrime & Hacking - ComputerworldUK' to your blog.
If you do not have a ComputerworldUK Account and would like to use this feature, please Register.
If you are a registered, logged-in user, this will post the title and first paragraph of this story to your blog to share with your readers.
Advert
Newsletters
Your daily injection of CW news and expert analysis: we’ll bring the news to you.
WHITE PAPERS
-
Legal risks: Employee use of the internet and email
Exploring the challenges facing IT Mangers today and vital steps to ensure safe internet an email use by employees. -
Phishing for victims
This White Paper examines the phenomenon of phishing. It explains the potentially catastrophic threat it presents to all kinds of organisation. Exploding some widespread myths, it lights up the murky waters where phishing first emerged and where it continues to evolve. But it also highlights what your business can do to blunt the threat.
Comments received
Linsey Macgeorge said on Monday, 06 July 2009
It is an absolute travesty if this man is taken away from his own home and tried for something he had no control over. I am a mother of an autistic adult and understand completely how this has happened and more help is required for people like this. Further more Gary Mckinnon should be employed for his Genious in exposing Americas national security weaknesses