Aaron Swartz was found dead in his New York apartment on Friday after taking his own life. The Reddit co-founder and Internet activist was facing prosecution for allegedly breaking into a secure MIT network over two years ago. If convicted on all counts, Swartz could have seen significant jail time and millions in fines. Swartz was only 26 years old, but had already made a name for himself as an Internet pioneer. He was a tireless advocate for a free and open Internet, leading the movement that would eventually ensure the death of controversial SOPA legislation.
Friends and family of Swartz have openly placed blame for his death on MIT and state prosecutors. In a statement released over the weekend, they had this to say: "Aaron's death is not simply a personal tragedy. It is the product of a criminal justice system rife with intimidation and prosecutorial overreach. Decisions made by officials in the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney's office and at MIT contributed to his death."
An expert witness who reviewed the case file and the charges against Swartz released his findings as well, noting that he felt the prison sentence being sought by the prosecution was excessive. Swartz was an IT phenom from a very young age, winning awards and gaining access to prestigious institutions in his early teens. The company he founded, Infogami, was merged with Reddit when that company was just starting. Swartz was a co-owner of Reddit when the company was bought by Conde Nast and he was eventually asked to leave the company. Swartz is believed to have hanged himself in his apartment in Brooklyn, New York.
Friends and family of Swartz have openly placed blame for his death on MIT and state prosecutors. In a statement released over the weekend, they had this to say: "Aaron's death is not simply a personal tragedy. It is the product of a criminal justice system rife with intimidation and prosecutorial overreach. Decisions made by officials in the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney's office and at MIT contributed to his death."
An expert witness who reviewed the case file and the charges against Swartz released his findings as well, noting that he felt the prison sentence being sought by the prosecution was excessive. Swartz was an IT phenom from a very young age, winning awards and gaining access to prestigious institutions in his early teens. The company he founded, Infogami, was merged with Reddit when that company was just starting. Swartz was a co-owner of Reddit when the company was bought by Conde Nast and he was eventually asked to leave the company. Swartz is believed to have hanged himself in his apartment in Brooklyn, New York.