Vol. 72/No. 51      December 29, 2008

“Antiterrorist” cops searched Green’s home and offices, seized his computer and papers, and froze his e-mail account. They searched his offices at Parliament. The government-appointed sergeant-at-arms, responsible for security when Parliament is sitting, failed to ask the cops for a warrant.

Cops arrested Green on suspicion of “aiding and abetting misconduct in public office” and “conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office,” charges that carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. He was released on bail.

Green was alleged to have made public information leaked from the Home Office, including material about the government’s immigration policies that could politically embarrass the government. The Home Office is responsible for immigration, drug policy, “counterterrorism,” and police.

The arrest was condemned by Conservative leader David Cameron as “Stalinesque.” The Sunday Times said, “The hounding of … Green shames the government and the police.”

Opposition in the capitalist media to the raids and arrest has rested on defending “Parliamentary privilege,” not on the right to free speech. The Daily Telegraph ran an editorial titled, “The Commons must reclaim its sovereignty,” complaining that the “mystique [of Parliament] has been systematically undermined.”
 
 
Related articles:
Ft. Dix ‘antiterror’ trial in N.J. marked by attacks on rights
London court lets off cops in 2005 ‘antiterror’ killing
Long Island cops cover up anti-immigrant attacks
Communist League opposes attacks on free speech in Canada elections  
 
 
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