Network Security

Lauri Love extradition order confirmed by Home Secretary

The order for the extradition of Lauri Love to the the United States to face multiple charges of computer misuse has been approved by the Home Secretary.

Love, age 31, was ordered to be extradited at a court hearing (video and story) on 16 September by Westminster Magistrates Court.

The case was seen as the first test of the forum bar, a new provision of the Extradition Act 2003 which was introduced to correct the perceived imbalance in extradition arrangements between the UK and the USA. However, the judge rejected the forum bar argument, saying in effect that Love could expect to receive the same measure of justice in the US as he would in the UK.

Love also argued that his mental and physical health would be jeopardised by extradition. Love suffers from Asperger's syndrome and depression and his counsel argued that he was at high risk of suicide if extradited.

He also suffers from severe eczema which requires a rigorous treatment regime which it was argued he would not be able to get in a US prison.

Both of these arguments were rejected by the judge who ordered his extradition.

Under the Extradition Act, once the judge approves a request from a foreign country for extradition, it must be ratified by the Home Secretary before it is carried out.

A Home Office spokesman said: "On Monday 14 November, the Secretary of State, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed an order for Lauri Love's extradition to the United States.

"Mr Love has been charged with various computer hacking offences which included targeting US military and federal government agencies."

Love will now have the opportunity to appeal against the ruling which he has always said he would do if necessary.

Love's father, the Rev Alexander Love, is quoted in the London Evening Standard saying: "It was going to happen - it was inevitable - but it's still painful. I cannot begin to express how much sorrow it causes me… All we are asking for is British justice for a British citizen."

A petition signed by 114 British MPs has been delivered to Pres Barack Obama, calling on the president to intervene in Love's extradition.


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