Richard O'Dwyer case: TVShack creator's US extradition approved
Home Secretary Theresa May has approved the extradition to the US of a student accused of copyright infringement.
The US authorities say 23-year-old Sheffield student Richard O'Dwyer's TVShack website hosted links to pirated films and television programmes.
A spokesman said Mrs May had "carefully considered all relevant matters" before signing the order.
Mr O'Dwyer's mother Julia, from Chesterfield, said he had been "sold down the river" by the government.
Westminster Magistrates' Court ruled in January that Mr O'Dwyer could be extradited.
<snip>
Extradition analysis
Clive Coleman
Legal correspondent, BBC News
This decision does not mean for a moment that Richard O'Dwyer is going to be put on a plane, now, today, tomorrow or the next week or so.
There will be a full hearing.
He is being extradited under the 2003 Extradition Act, this is the controversial act under which Christopher Tappin, the 65-year-old British businessman was also recently extradited. Gary McKinnon the alleged computer hacker, his extradition is also being sought under that act, and it is an act which many people say is a lopsided relationship which favours the United States.
If we want someone from there we have to show what they call 'probable cause', we have to present evidence. If they want someone from here they have to show 'reasonable suspicion'.
It's worth also mentioning that the offences that they want Richard O'Dwyer for are copyright infringement offences which carry five-year prison sentences each in the United States - in the UK it's a much lesser prison sentence of two years each.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-17355203
Why on earth did they agree to such a flimsy reason for extradition? I would have asked that evidence be shown before sending someone to the US.
The ghouls who want him can dream up 'reasonable suspicion' in their sleep.
= new reply since forum marked as read
