On September 16th 2016, Lauri Love - who suffers from Asperger's syndrome and depression, lost his appeal against US extradition. He has been accused of hacking into the computer systems of Nasa, the US missile defence agency, the US Army, the FBI, and the Federal Reserve for which he could face up to 99 years in a US jail and fines of up to £7m if convicted.
Following the death of internet activist Aaron Swartz, Love allegedly partook in Anonymous’ Operation Last Resort, a campaign protesting the government’s treatment of Swartz.
Love's case echoes that of UK hacker and Asperger's sufferer Gary McKinnon. In 2002, McKinnon was accused of conducting the "biggest military computer hack of all time," and faced up to 60 years in a US jail. McKinnon said his aim was to uncover evidence of free energy suppression and information pertaining to a potential cover-up involving UFO activity. Roughly 10 years later, Prime Minister Theresa May, who at the time was Home Secretary, blocked McKinnon's extradition to the US due to the risk of McKinnon ending his own life.
May's 2012 amendment to Britain's extradition laws, introduced after the case of Gary McKinnon, is purported to ‘protect vulnerable people’ from extradition - Love's appeal will be the first test case of the ‘forum bar’. Love's final appeal will take place on February 5th 2018. If the appeal fails, he will likely spend the rest of his natural life behind bars.
To find out more about Lauri's case and how you can help, visit FreeLauri.com.