Geeks, hackers and cyber-rights activists gathered at a bar here Thursday evening to celebrate the government's decision to drop criminal charges against Dmitri Sklyarov, the Russian programmer who had been accused of violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
The evening marked the end of a five-month ordeal for Sklyarov and the hundreds of supporters who rallied to his cause. His case sparked a surge of political activism among hackers and cryptographers, whose reclusive instincts are legendary.
For the guest of honor, it was a chance to thank those who had rallied to demand his release. "I was surprised by all the support," Sklyarov said. "It was great. I didn't think anyone would be interested in some Russian who had been thrown in jail."
News source: Wired - Russian Hacker Has a Party
