5 years today, the world lost Aaron Swartz.

A death motivated by the judicial extremism of our government, and indirectly cuased by prosecutors who only cared about advancing their own careers, at any cost.

Aaron was only 26, but already had an extensive list of contributions to society, internet, freedom of expression, and much more. We can only imagine how much more he would have accomplished by now, particularly in the current political environment.

As Sir Tim-Berners Lee beautifully said:

"Aaron is dead. Wanderers in this crazy world, we have lost a mentor, a wise elder. Hackers for right, we are one down, we have lost one of our own. Nurturers, carers, listeners, feeders, parents all, we have lost a child. Let us all weep."

For more, check Lessig's heartbreaking article, the summary of his life by Cory Doctorow, or watch the documentary The Internet's Own Boy (imdb) below: