Gary McKinnon
A British subject, faces 70 years in prison in the USA on charges relating to 2002, when he hacked into US military computers allegedly causing millions of dollars of damage. The story can be read on cnet news, the BBC, and the Free Gary McKinnon website. There is no doubt of his guilt, McKinnon admits to it, but he was not there to steal secrets and sell them. He claims he caused no damage. Infact he claims his only crimes were that he was stupid enough to go looking for evidence of UFO's from outer space, and entering unauthorised computers. I don't doubt him, and anyone that stupid doesnt deserve to spend 2 years in prison let-alone 70 years. If he were charged in the UK he would have got off with a fine. Most murderers in the UK only serve between 2 and 6 years. He is a computer addict and a fantasist idiot (see gary.pdf), not a murderer or spy. He gave up a perfectly good job in IT administration to play computer games and hack for evidence of UFO's. Does that sound like the actions of a rational person? Generally, in Europe, stupidity and mental illness is largely forgiven. McKinnon should face a UK court, if at all. They should just let him go. Anyone who has read the interview in the Guardian will not fail to see that this is a man who didnt steal state secrets, commit data fraud, or have malicious intent. He needs help not prison. Please read the Wikipedia article and give your support to the Free Gary campaign by clicking the logo.