McKinnon ruling a blow to justice and human rights

4.05.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 31st Jul 2009

The High Court has today backed the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions that Gary Mckinnon, who has Aspergers Syndrome, should not be tried in the UK but instead must face the US judicial system.

Mckinnon faces charges of hacking into United States' military computer networks, and if tried in the USA he could spend many decades in an American jail.

Liberal Democrat MEP for London Sarah Ludford, the party's European justice and human rights spokeswoman has previously lobbied the Home Secretary to stop Mckinnon's extradition. She said:

"This High Court ruling is a huge disappointment. As an Aspergers' sufferer, extradition and the harsh US penal system could destroy Gary's mental health."

"This Labour government has totally let down the cause of justice and human rights, both for Gary and over US extradition in general. It just rolls over and submits to any US demands. We saw where that got us with Iraq and rendition & torture."

"At the very least the UK government must demand an express assurance that if tried in the US Gary will be repatriated to the UK to serve any sentence."

ENDS