September 2nd, 2008
Hacker wants promise he'll be returned to UK
British hacker Gary McKinnon is almost out of options to avoid extradition to the US, but not quite. The BBC reports that McKinnon is asking the British Home Office to ensure he won’t be jailed in the US once he’s convicted. His lawyer wants him returned to the UK after a trial.
A spokesman said: “Further representations have been received today from solicitors against Mr McKinnon’s surrender to the USA which are receiving consideration.”
His lawyer, Karen Todner, said other countries seek such assurances as a matter of course:
We have requested that the home secretary obtain an assurance from the United States government that Mr McKinnon be returned to the UK immediately on receiving a sentence in the US, should he be extradited.
It is standard practice for both the Dutch and Israeli governments to seek this assurance on behalf of their nationals who face extradition to the United States.
In light of Mr McKinnon’s being diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, it would seem to be highly appropriate that the home secretary obtains this assurance.
