Father of Internet activist says son was `killed by government` - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Father of Internet activist Aaron Swartz blames son's death on government

Posted: Updated:
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (Associated Press) -

Internet activist Aaron Swartz's father told his son's suburban Chicago funeral that the Reddit co-founder was "killed by the government."

The 26-year-old was found dead of an apparent suicide in his New York apartment Friday. His funeral was Tuesday morning at a Highland Park synagogue. Swartz was facing a potentially lengthy prison sentence after being indicted in Boston in 2011 for allegedly gaining access to academic articles from a computer archive at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The charges carried a maximum penalty of decades in prison.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that his father, Robert Swartz, echoed the family's previous statements during the service, saying his son was "hounded" by the government.

Spokeswoman Christina DiIorio-Sterling in Boston says U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz has no comment about Robert Swartz's remarks.

Share Your Photos & Video

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 12:24 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:24:33 GMT
    Officials in Connecticut say it was amazing that there were no fatalities or more injuries after two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield Friday evening.
    Officials in Connecticut say it was amazing that there were no fatalities or more injuries after two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield Friday evening.
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 12:21 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:21:01 GMT
    Nassau County police said the Hofstra University student killed during a home invasion robbery was the victim of friendly fire from an officer.
    Nassau County police said the Hofstra University student killed during a home invasion robbery was the victim of friendly fire from an officer.
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 12:16 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:16:49 GMT
    The winning numbers in a near-historic Powerball jackpot were announced Saturday night.
    The winning numbers in a near-historic Powerball jackpot were announced Saturday night.
Powered by WorldNow
Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices