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MIT Attempts To Block Release of Documents In Aaron Swartz Case

Posted by Soulskill on from the actions-speak-louder-than-words dept.

Dputiger writes "In the wake of activist Aaron Swartz's suicide, MIT launched an investigation into the circumstances that led to his initial arrest and felony charges. It's now clear that the move was nothing but a face-saving gesture. Moments before the court-ordered release of Swartz's Secret Service file under the Freedom of Information Act, MIT intervened, asking the judge to block the release. Supposedly this is to protect the identities of MIT staff who might be harassed — but government policy is to redact such information already."

4 of 159 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Who? by Hatta · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Using a sledgehammer to swat a fly is bad, not because the fly doesn't need to be swatted.

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  2. Re:Who? by TheGratefulNet · · Score: 5, Interesting

    If not, then apparently breaking and entering isn't a crime in your eyes, nor is stealing something you don't have access to.

    where have you been the last year or so? the government is breaking and entering our digital lives at a much deeper level and much wider level of population (ie, EVERYONE).

    they are not punished for their 'digital break-ins'. why should citizens, then? it seems its ok, in today's world. if the gov can get away with it, then it must be legal. RIGHT?

    doublestandard much?

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  3. Re:Who? by betterunixthanunix · · Score: 4, Interesting

    It was not checking out too many books

    Right, because Aaron being in possession of them did not stop anyone else from reading them.

    He deliberately went into the library, where he didn't have access

    He did have access, MIT's network is open and anyone who has access to MIT's network can access JSTOR.

    took books which the library had which could only be checked out under strict controls

    So strict that they give them out in PDF form to anyone who asks.

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  4. Re:Sorry internet by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Threatening to charge my girlfriend with being an accessory and put my kid in the hellhole that is the Mass. foster system might drive me to suicide.

    Which, ya know, the prosecutor did to Schwartz.

    Do you think it is fair to threaten the to take away somebody else's child to get a conviction?