Autism Campaigners launch petition in support of McKinnon

Ivan Corea of the UK Autism Foundation(UKAF) and Kevin Healey of the Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society(SAAS) have sent a joint appeal to President Barack Obama urging him to show 'compassion' and allow Gary McKinnon to be tried in the UK.

SAAS, UKAF and the Autism Trust together with other UK charities have launched a new online petition supporting Gary McKinnon - campaigners are hoping that thousands of people will sign the online petition. McKinnon has 28 days to appeal against the High Court ruling allowing his extradition to the US.

Gary McKinnon is attracting high level support. Welsh Secretary Peter Hain became the first Cabinet member to back McKinnon. Mr. Hain told the British media: "I have got a lot of sympathy for Gary McKinnon and his mum, who is a very brave woman fighting for his rights. He has got Asperger's syndrome which does tend to produce the kind of behaviour that is very compulsive." Earlier he backed the call for Gary to have a trial in the United Kingdom.

Mr. McKinnon enjoys the support of a diverse group - from politicians to celebrities - David Cameron leader of the Conservative Party, Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Mayor of London Boris Johnson,Sir Bob Geldof, Chrissy Hynde, Dave Gilmour, Trudie Styler, Nick Hornby the author, Lee Scott MP, Dr. Vince Cable MP among others.

Ivan Corea and Kevin Healey have urged President Obama be compassionate and support the massive call for Gary McKinnon to be tried in the UK.

Sir Bob Geldof, Dave Gilmour and Chrissie Hynde have released a song 'Chicago' in support of the Gary McKinnon Campaign.

The online petition supporting Gary McKinnon:
http://signup4garymckinnon.yolasite.com/