McKinnon supporters petition Downing Street

British supporters of Gary McKinnon are being urged to sign a petition to the Prime Minister protesting McKinnon's possible extradition to the US on hacking charges.

Hundreds have already signed the petition, established on Wednesday on the Number 10 website, which will run until MPs break for their summer recess. The petition (text below) was established by the National Autistic Society with the support of Janis, Gary McKinnon's mother.

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to lead his Government in providing protection against extradition for people with autism and Asperger syndrome in the criminal justice system, particularly in the case of Gary McKinnon.

Supporters have until 25 May to add their support to the petition. McKinnon's ranks of celebrity supporters have grown since he was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome shortly after his failed appeal against extradition last year. McKinnon admits hacking but denies causing damage or malign intent, beyond looking for evidence of the supposed suppression by the US military of advanced technology harvested from crashed UFOs.

A judicial review on whether the Home Secretary proceeded correctly in allowing extradition proceedings against McKinnon to move forward, in spite of his medical condition, is due to take place on 9 and 10 June.

More background on the case, and the rationale for running a petition can be found in a statement by The Autism Society here.

Figures from the worlds of music and politics are prominent across McKinnon's supporters (listed here). These luminaries include Police frontman Sting, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour and Peter Gabriel as well as other public figures including London mayor Boris Johnson, veteran left-wing politician Tony Benn and former Beirut hostage Terry Waite.

Lord Carlile, the independent reviewer of anti-terror laws, and Oscar-winning actress Julie Christie have also gone public with their support of McKinnon. ®