I wouldn't say it has nothing to do with technology. I think (and the amount of comments on this story seems to support that) - many HN readers are interested in information transparency and possible clandestine agendas to against openness.
If there turns out that (any number of) intelligence services have a hand in this -- I should think that would have implications for hackers everywhere.
Even if most of HN is about legitimate start-ups and projects that in the end are not very disruptive -- I'd say that many readers would be interested in what it takes to come under the very real thumb of the various arms of eg. the US government.
But I agree that if this was about someone like Sklyarov[1] it would be a better fit.
I think we should try to stick to the guidelines [1] even if there are off-topic stories that may get lots of comments and votes. My reasoning is there are many good sites on the Internet dedicated to politics and current events, but surprisingly few good discussion forums for tech startups.
This story is really only tangentially related to information transparency; the text is entirely about international politics and the law. It has nothing to do with technology.
If there turns out that (any number of) intelligence services have a hand in this -- I should think that would have implications for hackers everywhere.
Even if most of HN is about legitimate start-ups and projects that in the end are not very disruptive -- I'd say that many readers would be interested in what it takes to come under the very real thumb of the various arms of eg. the US government.
But I agree that if this was about someone like Sklyarov[1] it would be a better fit.
[1] http://news.cnet.com/2100-1001-270082.html