How ‘special relationship’ affects a vulnerable citizen

• I AGREE with Robert Ilson’s comparison of the treatment by the government with regard to Akmal Shaikh while on trial in China, and Gary McKinnon, wanted for extradition to America (Letters, January 7).
No doubt the reason for this difference is the so-called “special relationship” with America in which this country is the servant and America is the master.
I have been in correspondence with Glenda Jackson MP about Gary McKinnon; as a result she sent me the Hansard copy of the debate about him.
The Home Secretary Alan Johnson kept repeating that Mr  McKinnon’s diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome did  not qualify as “Article 3 severity”.
Apparently the fact that Mr McKinnon has repeatedly threatened suicide, if extradited, makes no difference to the fact that he does not fit into one of the little boxes for “Article 3 severity”! 
One point that came up in the debate was that his alleged crimes took place shortly after September 11. How can this not prejudice an American jury? 
I put this point to Mr Johnson’s staff to no avail.
His government (which I normally support) is obviously more concerned not to offend America than to protect a vulnerable British citizen.
MARGARET KING
Belsize Grove, NW3

Why whip up this hysteria?

• I AM utterly opposed to the death penalty whether it’s used in China, Texas or Saudi Arabia.
But I am curious as to why, while Akmal Shaikh was executed having been caught with 4kgs of heroin, the United States Blackwater operatives who massacred 17 Iraqis were being let off on a technicality in America with no equivalent anger in the media.
And why did our government and the media ratchet up the anti-Chinese hysteria as we neared poor Mr Shaikh’s execution when what was needed was quiet diplomacy?
I look forward to Britain setting an example and releasing or treating humanely all its prisoners who have mental illness.
Name and address supplied, NW6

Insensitive view

• TORY George Lee’s comments on the tragic execution of former Kentish Town resident Akmal Shaikh that it was “good for China to have such strong laws on drug trafficking” were appalling, and particularly insensitive to Mr Shaikh’s family.
The death penalty is abhorrent, whether in China or the US or Saudi Arabia.
I don’t believe that the people of Camden want Chinese standards of justice, or Chinese standards of human rights. I’m confident that they will remember what Mr Lee said when they exercise their democratic freedom at the ballot box.
NATALIE BENNETT
Green Party
South Camden Co-ordinator