The article was really brief and vague. Are you sure this is the case?
From what I understand, the title is not completely descriptive: the kid has a maximum possible sentence of 10 years if he is convicted.
"The suspected hacker faces a maximum of 10 years jail time if convicted and will face court again on May 17."
I obviously have no way of really knowing what exactly happened without more information, but just assuming that random programmers are at risk for getting arrested is a bit of a stretch -- even if there is a "New World Order" as you say, it needs good programmers too...
It will be interesting to see what actually happens at the end of this, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was a sentence to community service and parole for some time.