5 ms·
Swartz's organization seems to pretty clearly claim that both MIT and JSTOR asked the feds not to charge him. While JSTOR's statement doesn't actually say that
by bbatsell 15y ago
Swartz's organization seems to pretty clearly claim that both MIT and JSTOR asked the feds not to charge him. While JSTOR's statement doesn't actually say thatº, it certainly seems plausible to me since they very clearly say that they privately engaged and dealt with the matter with Swartz. You simply don't do that if you're pursuing criminal charges.
º I would probably be hesitant to say that publicly as well, considering the feds came down with a monster 35-year indictment against a juicy target. The "victim" announcing on Day 1 that they don't support the charges would not be accepted very charitably by federal prosecutors.
- thisuser 15y agoOh well we can't be upsetting the government. Carry on.
- Zak 15y agoUnless JSTOR is itself at risk of prosecution for something, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me that they'd care how Federal prosecutors felt about their public statements.
- wnoise 15y agoEverybody is at risk for federal prosecution. Everybody. http://www.amazon.com/Three-Felonies-Day-Target-Innocent/dp/1594032556 http://www.amazon.com/Three-Felonies-Day-Target-Innocent/dp/... http://www.threefelonies.com/Youtoo/tabid/86/Default.aspx http://www.threefelonies.com/Youtoo/tabid/86/Default.aspx
- jmaygarden 15y agoI immediately thought of that book as well. As Silverglate frequently points out, the federal attorney is using extreme penalties to force a plea deal in this case. It's de facto denial of a fair trial when the Sword of Damocles (i.e. 35 years in prison) is hanging over your head.
- stephth 15y agoThat does shed a new light to their statement. Seems like both parties made some lousy calls which led to a very ugly situation. I don't understand the legal mechanisms that could lead to JSTOR not showing any public support for Aaron, and if those exist, but I hope they will show some support during the process (as well as the MIT). Gov shouldn't put digital theft in the same basket as physical theft.