Shami Chakrabarti, the human rights lawyer and peer, said: “Should rape victims or refugees peacefully protesting really be punished for covering their faces to protect their identities? This is more culture war nonsense from the government while children go hungry and the planet burns.”
Akiko Hart, director of the rights advocacy group Liberty, said: “Bringing in these powers put people at greater risk of being criminalised for exercising their right to protest – including disabled people who in some situations have only felt comfortable protesting in public when wearing face coverings.
“It is extremely concerning that the government is trying to impose even more conditions on not only when people can protest, but how they protest too.”What are they whining about? A new law proposal that:
- Demonstrators are liable to arrest if they are wearing face coverings at specific demonstrations,
- Demonstrators will no longer be able to use the right to protest as a reasonable excuse if they commit public order offences such as serious disruption, and
- The possession of flares, fireworks and any other pyrotechnics at public processions and assemblies for protest to be illegal.
Even the opposition can't complain about that last one!
Labour welcomed the clampdown on fireworks and flares but remained cautious about the measures due to be introduced. A spokesperson for the party said: “We welcome a ban on flares and fireworks, which have been used to create disorder and intimidate police officers in recent months. We will scrutinise the details of these proposals to ensure that new measures are applied appropriately and proportionately.”
Of course, these new laws wouldn't be needed if the useless Met Police used the ones they already have properly, but it will at least give them no hiding room in future.
3 comments:
Of course, these new laws wouldn't be needed if the useless Met Police used the ones they already have properly, but it will at least give them no hiding room in future.
LOL. They don't use the ones they have no and don't care so why would they use new ones. Except of course against those protesting they against the current narrative. More laws yet it won't make any difference.
There are already enough laws covering public order offences. What is lacking is a willingness to use them *when necessary* and a willingness to punish the convicted.
My suggestion has been that for certain offences (public order, public drunkenness) there should be an automatic night in the 'drunk tank' followed by special magistrates courts the very next day that may convict on video evidence alone. Any appeals process must be self funded.
"More laws yet it won't make any difference."
No, it so rarely does, doesn't it?
"My suggestion has been that for certain offences (public order, public drunkenness) there should be an automatic night in the 'drunk tank' ..."
Worth a try, if the tank is filled to the top with water. 😁
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