Nasa hacker 'more hopeful'

Nasa hacker Gary McKinnon is still under pressure, but is becoming more hopeful that he may avoid extradition due to growing support from celebrities, politicians, and the press.

McKinnon told ZDNet UK at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday that he was "very stressed" about his ongoing situation.

"I'm very stressed," said McKinnon. "I'm extra stressed because I feel more hopeful due to all the support."

Popular UK newspaper the Daily Mail began to champion McKinnon at the beginning of July, and is busy playing catch-up on old stories.

Bob Geldof is the latest celebrity to pledge support for McKinnon, and has contributed to a record in his support, the self-confessed hacker said.

Sting's wife Trudie Styler was at the Royal Courts of Justice this afternoon, where judges were hearing an application for a review of a CPS decision not to prosecute McKinnon in the UK.

Styler told ZDNet UK that she hoped the UK government would review the extradition treaty that the UK has with the US.

"We can only hope the government will show some clemency to this fragile and vulnerable man," said Styler.

The Conservatives have tabled a motion that the extradition treaty be debated in parliament. The debate will be held on Wednesday. McKinnon said he was grateful for the interest.