U.S. government arrests internet activist Aaron Swartz for looking up articles at a library

[Michel Bauwens]

Via Mayo Fuster Morell:

 

NY Times article: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/​ 2011/07/19/reddit-co-founder-c​harged-with-data-theft/

//// Aaron Swartz charged for downloading too many journal articles from the Library ////

Shocking news: Moments ago former Demand Progress Executive Director Aaron Swartz was indicted by the US government. As best as we can tell, he is being charged with allegedly downloading too many journal articles from the Web. The government contends that downloading so many journal articles constitutes felony computer hacking and should be punished with time in prison.  We disagree.

Will you click here to sign our petition of support for Aaron? http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/support_aaron

The charges are made all the more senseless by the fact that the alleged victim has settled any claims against Aaron, explained they've suffered no loss or damage, and asked the government not to prosecute.

James Jacobs, the Government Documents Librarian at Stanford University -- where Aaron did undergraduate work -- denounced the arrest: "Aaron's prosecution undermines academic inquiry and democratic principles," Jacobs said. "It's incredible that the government would try to lock someone up for allegedly looking up articles at a library."

Will you click here to show your support for Aaron? http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/support_aaron

Thanks for your support and concern as we help see Aaron through these tough times.  We'll keep you updated.

 -- The Demand Progress team

P.S.  Please considering forwarding this email to your friends or using the links below to alert them to Aaron's predicament.