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Considering the response of senators and Members of the US Administration to the decision of MSP Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill on the matter of the compassionate release for Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi after due kegal process; and the current attitude to anything Scots how can there be a fair trial?

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Charity appeals to Queen to stop Gary McKinnon's extradition

12:45pm Sunday 23rd August 2009

By Sarah Cosgrove »

THE largest adult autism charity in the UK has appealed directly to the Queen to save hacker Gary McKinnon from extradition.

Campaigner Kevin Healey of Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society (SAAS) has also appealed to Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Home Secretary Alan Johnson to halt the move.

The charity has launched an online petition which has been backed by eight other autism charities.

A total of 464 people have signed it so far.

Palmers Green resident Mr McKinnon has been fighting to be tried in this country after the US Government asked for him to be sent for trial in America.

He hacked into 97 American military computers and the Pentagon and Nasa between 2001 and 2002.

He has always admitted deliberately breaching security but said he was looking for evidence of UFOs and was a not a security threat.

Mr McKinnon suffers from Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. People with the condition are often highly intelligent but have difficulty dealing with everyday life and adhering to social norms.

Mr Healey said: "Gary would not be able to cope with been sent to the US, if he his sent his health will seriously deteriorate and he would be at a huge risk from suicide.

“He is no terrorist. He has Asperger's syndrome. He admits he has done wrong - we maintain that autism is a very complex world and sometimes you have unexplained behaviour.”

Mr McKinnon is also supported by his MP, David Burrowes, former Home Secretary David Blunkett, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and a host of public figures including Sir Bob Geldoff, guitarist Dave Gilmour, Chrissy Hynde, Nick Hornby, Trudie Styler and human rights campaigner Terry Waite.

Appeals have also been sent to US President Barack Obama.

Mr McKinnon's mother, Janis Sharp has expressed grave concerns about her son's safety if he were to face life in an American high security jail.

"I fully support Autism SAAS and the petition Kevin Healey has launched to help to keep my son Gary McKinnon in the UK," she said.

To sign or view the petition visit www.signup4garymckinnon.yolasite.com.

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