Student’s extradition plight dominates internet questions for US president

Richard O’Dwyer, 23, a student at Sheffield Hallam, allegedly earned thousands of pounds through his TVShack website, which enabled users to watch films and television shows free of charge.

His case topped a list of subjects which US voters put to their leader during an online question-and-answer session yesterday.

Mr O’Dwyer’s mother, Julia, who lives in Chesterfield, welcomed the US interest in her son’s case.

“It’s tremendous that questions have reached Mr Obama, because at least it will raise a bit of awareness over there,” she said.

“Now even Americans have woken up to the US administration’s excessive use of the extradition laws between our countries.

“Given our Government won’t protect its own citizens, it’s up to Mr Obama to put a stop to the ridiculous and appallingly harsh attempts to extradite Richard.”

During the web discussion, Mr Obama said he was not personally involved in Mr O’Dwyer’s case, but insisted his administration wants to ensure intellectual property is protected “in a way that’s consistent with internet freedom”.

Mr O’Dwyer faces jail if convicted of the allegations.