Gary McKinnon’s Extradition Block Sparks Accusations Of Double Standards

Yesterday, Teresa May blocked the extradition of Gary McKinnon to the US after analysing his medical records. They led her to believe that Gary would be at a serious risk of suicide if the extradition was accepted and that this would constitute a violation of his human rights. This comes two weeks after Talha Ahsan and 5 other muslim’s were extradited to the US, now facing possible charges whilst waiting in inhuman conditions in solitary confinement. The conditions in American Supermax prisons are considered a form of torture by the UN.

According to BBC reporter, Jane Little, the groundwork for yesterdays decision had already been laid out when President Obama and British PM, David Cameron, met in 2010 to discuss Gary McKinnon’s case. The policy towards Gary’s case was “seen to be softening”.

Gary’s family, particularly his mother, spoke out publicly about Theresa May’s decision and thanked her for the noble gesture. This decision gained commendation by everyone but campaigners from  the Free Talha group who, even though they are happy for Gary and his family, feel that it raises many questions, such as, why Talha’s case was not considered in the same way, taking into account that both suffer from Aspergers Syndrome and are considered a suicide risk.

They also ask why there was not the same public support for Talha as Gary Mckinnon. Celebrities and political figures helped in the battle for Gary to remain in Britain but the same level of support was totally nonexistent in Talha’s case.

Gary McKinnon extradition blocked, but why was Talha Ahsan sent to US for trial? | News | The Week UK: theweek.co.uk/politics/49577…

— Hamja Ahsan (@HamjaAhsan) October 16, 2012

David Cameron said recently, “Gary McKinnon is a vulnerable young man and I see no compassion in sending him thousands of miles away from his home and loved one’s to stand trial. If he has questions to answer, there is a clear argument to be made that he should answer them in a British court”.

London Mayor, Boris Johnson, said yesterday, “To extradite a man diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome to America for trial would have been extraordinarily cruel and inhumane.”

Yet this is exactly the fate and circumstances of Talha. Many are accusing the British authorities of double standards and are calling for justice.