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Gary McKinnon, a man with severe Asperger's Syndrome, is to be extradited to the USA on charges of hacking even though the UK's leading expert on autism says he's not fit to stand trial, and despite a massive campaign to have him tried over here. He admits hacking after becoming obsessed with looking for evidence of UFOs. 43 now, and described variously as "naive" and "a child", if he's convicted and gets the promised 70 years, he will die in prison. Why is this specifically a travesty of justice?

Because the "law" under which he's being extradited isn't a law at all. The situation is that the US demands extradition of UK citizens for trial without having to present proper evidence, but there's no legal foundation for the UK to hand that person over. Despite that, we keep doing so, and there's no reciprocal agreement.

This is wrong on so many levels. So wrong, in fact, it makes my blood boil.

Don't worry, Tomo. It's our special relationship. Oh this? It's nothing. Silly really. I just walked into the door.

It is a travesty and has nothing to do with law or justice. It's all about politics again.

Considering the circumstances, they should be exceptionally lenient and understanding. Poor bloke, he really doesn't deserve this. I feel for his mum too. She was interviewed on Radio 4's Today programme this morning. She said that if he is extradited and subsequently jailed in the US, she'll never see him again. I can't begin to imagine how she must feel. Heartbreaking doesn't cover it.

The thing that makes me angry about it is if you murder someone in the UK, you can expect to be sentenced to what, 12yrs or so? Halve that for good behaviour. Not to mention the reputation American jails have! It's disgusting

The reactions from some of the Daily Mail readership are predictably cruel.

So, as well as posting and discussing here, what's the next move? What can Jo Soap UK do to protest and make the powers that be understand that this is not a crime in the sense that Uncle Sam wants it to be portrayed - they've had more than enough time to present irrefutable evidence and so far, zilch. With all the speculation and publicity, there's very little chance of a fair trial across the pond and, as I understand it, if Gary is put on trial in the UK, that would prevent any extradition - so let the Public Prosecutor give him his day in a UK court and see what 'evidence' is offered. Guantanamo Bay was wound down after many years and much protest so if the US Government is able to do that, they ought to have enough confidence to leave the trial of a UK subject to the UK authorities.

There are some pointers on the site linked below as to what we can do to try and help him:
http://freegary.org.uk/

There's another appeal going in. Let's see if the law lords can understand the difference between justice and arbitrary cruelty this time, shall we?