Backlash takes hold after hacker arrest

The backlash promised after defacer Rafa was arrested began in earnest this week with a series of defacements bearing the words "Free Rafa".

Amongst those defending the Venezuelan is a group known as "Core-project" which has hit a number of educational establishments over the last few days.

"Rafa is popular because yes, he was defacing webservers a few years ago, but in the last couple of years he actively contributed to authorities with his anti-paedophile campaigns, having public credits even from the press," said Roberto Preatoni from web defacement experts Zone-H.org.

As soon as Rafa, real name Rafael Nunez-Aponte, was arrested a number of groups made forum and web-based statements promising a campaign free him. According to his supporters Rafa's actions were that of a immature young man and are far outweighed by the help he's given to campaigns against internet paedophilia.

"Why the hell should you help authorities in fighting true crimes if at any moment you can get jailed for some silly crimes you have done when you where a youngster?" Preatoni said. "This is what is p***ing off the community."

www.zone-h.org