'Free Gary' protest hits Home Office at noon

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Supporters of Gary McKinnon are set to gather in front of the Home Office in London today, to protest his looming extradition to face hacking charges in the US.

The Asperger's Syndrome sufferer admits hacking into NASA and Pentagon computers, but his supporters argue he should be tried in the UK, not the US.

A series of medical reports claiming he's at risk of suicide if held in a US prison have not been enough to sway Home Secretary Alan Johnson to halt the extradition.

The protest was originally planned to take place in front of Buckingham Palace, as McKinnon's mother Janis Sharp believes the Queen could influence the decision - as she gave the extradition treaty her approval before it came into force - or at the very least bring it to the attention of the right people.

Following a request from police, the protest has moved to the main Home Office location, Peel Building on Marsham Street in London between noon and 2pm, according to the Free Gary website.

On her Twitter feed, Sharp noted that MPs Keith Vaz, Nick Clegg and David Burrowes would be attending the protest.

For those that can't attend but wish to show support, Sharp asked people to send flowers or notes to Buckingham Palace, and to email or call the Home Office.

She added via Twitter: "If people can even come to protest for a few minutes in their lunch break this will be a huge help."

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