Conservative Minister Damian Green’s arrest highlights worsening threat to democratic right

[lovuian]

Conservative Minister Damian Green’s arrest highlights worsening threat to democratic right
http://www3.wsws.org/articles/2008/nov2008/tory-n29.shtml

The arrest of Conservative immigration minister, Damian Green, by counter-terrorist police is an extraordinary event that further underscores the assault on democratic rights by the Labour government.

The World Socialist Web Site holds no brief for Green, a right-wing politician whose forte is anti-immigrant propaganda. Nevertheless, the fact that Green has been subject to arrest raises fundamental concerns as the extent to which the police are now able openly to intercede in political matters.

Green, after all, was not arrested on allegations of corruption or impropriety. Although he has not yet been charged, the allegation against him concerns his publication of leaked documents he allegedly received from a government whistleblower.

The Tory MP for Ashford, Kent was arrested just before 1400 GMT on Thursday at his constituency home, for "aiding and abetting misconduct in public office".

He was held for nine hours at a London police station while searches were conducted at his home, business premises and his parliamentary office. Up to nine anti-terrorist officers were reported to be involved in the arrest and searches. Green was released without charge just before midnight but was told he must return for further questioning in February.
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England is getting quite like Old Stalin times

[dipsydoodle]

1. What has come to light since this event

is that the police breezed in without a search warrant. That is serious and is now under investigation.

edit to add :

House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin has said he "regretted" that police had been allowed to search a Tory MP's office without a warrant.

He revealed a parliamentary official had allowed a raid on Damian Green's office by signing a consent form.

Mr Martin, who knew in advance about the raid and Mr Green's arrest, told the Commons he had not been told the police did not have a search warrant.

He has referred the issue of seizure of material to a committee of senior MPs.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7762005.stm

[lovuian]

2. It reminds me of Siegelman

total abuse of power

[lovuian]

3. kick

:kick: for a friend