Aaron Swartz’ Father Says U.S. Government Killed Son

During Aaron Swartz’ funeral on Tuesday, Swartz’ father said the U.S. government was responsible for his son’s death, according to the Associated Press.

In Swartz’ father’s eulogy at a synagogue in suburban Chicago, Swartz was remembered as a dynamic and emotive prodigy. Swartz’ father also criticized the overzealous prosecuting attorney, saying his son “was killed by the government, and MIT betrayed all of its basic principles.” Swartz’ father went on to say that his son’s death was the product of “a criminal justice system rife with intimidation and prosecutorial overreach.”

Aaron Swartz, a 26-year-old digital rights activist and hacker who fought for free and open information, committed suicide in his New York City apartment last Friday. Swartz, convicted of felony hacking, was facing decades in prison and millions of dollars in fines.

Related stories: Digital Rights Activist and Hacker Aaron Swartz Found Dead

Flickr photo courtesy of Joi