Media statement: Gary McKinnon case

14 January 2008

Statement on NAS involvement in the case of Gary McKinnon, a man with Asperger syndrome who is appealing against extradition to the United States, where he will face charges of hacking into US government computer systems. 

The National Autistic Society's chief executive, Mark Lever, said:

"We are calling for urgent action to prevent this extradition and allow Gary McKinnon to stand trial in the UK. We believe that the extradition, and a possible maximum security prison sentence, would be inappropriate and very damaging for anyone affected by Asperger syndrome."

Mr McKinnon has applied for Judicial Review of the Secretary of State's decision to order his extradition to the USA. The hearing will take place in the High Court on 20 January 2009. The NAS has already written to the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith urging her to take Mr McKinnon's Asperger syndrome into account and we are now providing a written statement to the court expressing our concern that his diagnosis be taken into consideration in his application for judicial review.

The evidence we plan to submit explains the nature of Asperger syndrome and the fact that diagnosis in adults is often late, as in Mr McKinnon's case. In addition, we have included information explaining that people with Asperger syndrome may be particularly vulnerable because of their difficulties with social awareness and communication, and may be susceptible to additional mental health problems as a result of their disability.

As Mr McKinnon was only diagnosed in August 2008, his Asperger syndrome was not taken into account in earlier legal proceedings dating back to his arrest in March 2002. The NAS strongly believes this new information needs to be taken into consideration before any decision is made about his extradition.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism - a serious, lifelong and disabling condition which affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. Without the right support it can have a profound effect on individuals and families. As autism is a spectrum condition, no two people are affected in the same way.

Take action for Gary McKinnon by following this link.