Gary McKinnon extradition on hold under coalition government
Extradition to US of alleged computer hacker Gary McKinnon put on hold by coalition government
Thursday, 20, May 2010 06:25
By Matthew Champion.
The extradition of alleged computer hacker Gary McKinnon is once again on hold after the new coalition government agreed to adjourn a looming court case to review medical evidence.
Mr McKinnon, 43, spent most of the last decade fighting extradition to the US on computer hacking charges his family and lawyers say he should answer in the UK due to his Asperger's syndrome.
The Home Office told inthenews.co.uk new home secretary Theresa May had decided to adjourn Mr McKinnon's latest court appearance.
"The home secretary has considered the proposal from Gary McKinnon's legal team and has agreed an adjournment should be sought," a spokesperson said.
"An application to the court is being made today."
Earlier, the new coalition government confirmed a commitment to review the controversial legislation created in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks in 2001 that Mr McKinnon faced extradition under.
"We will review the operation of the Extradition Act - and the US/UK extradition treaty - to make sure it is even-handed," a 30-page document entitled Programme for Government said.
Writing on Twitter, Mr McKinnon's mother Janis Sharp commented: "Not over yet but things are looking brighter.
"I like this coalition government."
Mr McKinnon is accused by US authorities of hacking into Pentagon computer systems between 2001 and 2002. He has repeatedly claimed he was looking for information on UFOs.