[Free-sklyarov-uk] letter to usa embassy

[Anton Chterenlikht]

27 July 2001

Glyn T. Davies
Minister
24 Grosvenor Square
London
W1A 1AE
UK




Anton Chterenlikht

my address

Phone: +44 07966140794
Email: a.chterenlikht at sheffield.ac.uk




Dear Mr Davies,


Re: United States v. Dmitry Sklyarov



I was completely stunned when I found out that my
friend, Dmitry Sklyarov, was arrested in Las Vegas
on 17 July 2001 after he made a presentation on
DefCon conference.

I have known Dmitry for more then ten years now
(since 1991), both as a bright student at Moscow
State Technical University (BMSTU) and then as a
top-level researcher in electronic security. He is
a supportive, law abiding, husband and a father of
two young children who has never taken part in any
illegal activities.

That is why this news and the accusation were so
devastating for me. The initial accusation can be
obtained from:
http://www.usaondca.com/press/html/2001_07_17_sklyarov.html

This case has already received a lot of attention
from the USA, UK and international media (CNN,
BBC, New York Times, New Scientist etc.); moreover
some of the leading British scientists expressed
their opinion.

Alan Cox, one of the leading developers of Linux
operating system said: =93With the arrest of Dimitry
Sklyarov it has become apparent that it is not
safe for non US software engineers to visit the
United States. While he was undoubtedly chosen for
political reasons as a Russian as a good example
for the US public the risk extends arbitrarily
further. Until the DMCA mess is resolved I would
urge all non US citizens to boycott conferences in
the USA and all US conference bodies to hold their
conferences elsewhere.=94

Ross Anderson, a reader in security engineering at
Cambridge University said that =93there is a
question whether it will be prudent to hold
certain types of security conferences in the U.S.
in the future.(=85) We can't really tolerate a
situation where anyone who breaks a system that
embarrasses someone gets served with a writ.=94

I have already written three letters to the US
Department of Justice, Northern District of
California asking for immediate and thorough
investigation of this case but have not received
any reply yet.

I am writing to you, sir, because I am deeply
concerned that this accident might seriously
damage well-established communication between
American and British scientists. This is very
worrying.

Can I therefore ask you, sir, to use your
authority and investigate this case as a matter of
urgency. I really believe that Dmitry is innocent
and should be free. At the moment he is at
Northern Las Vegas Department of Detention but can
be transferred to San Francisco at any time. He
has been in custody for 10 days now and I
understandably worry for him.

I would be happy if you will find the time to let
me know about your thoughts on this case.


Thanks a lot,



Yours Sincerely,




______________________________________


Anton Chterenlikht