Richard Dawkins: "I will arrest Pope Benedict XVI"

[charlou]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBody5RP ... r_embedded#![/youtube]

I always admire how he chrystalises an issue in such a concise, no-nonsense way. These guys have my full support.

[maiforpeace]

I always admire how he chrystalises an issue in such a concise, no-nonsense way. These guys have my full support.

Mine too. I am so glad they are doing this and are getting an early start. I am really curious to see how this all pans out.

[PsychoSerenity]

Very disappointing, changing the law to keep the pope safe. Mother-fucker.

Pope To Be Protected From Arrest On UK Visit

The Government has moved to prevent the possibility of an arrest warrant being issued against the Pope during his state visit this autumn.

Sky News understands that Whitehall officials have been "seriously concerned" that campaigners would use international criminal rules to try to detain the Pontiff while he is in the UK. Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson QC were among those campaigners reported to be looking at the options for bringing a private prosecution in relation to the Pope's alleged cover-up of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.

Now Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has proposed changes to the rules on universal jurisdiction, a law that allows individuals to be prosecuted in the UK for serious offences such as war crimes, crimes against humanity and torture even if they were carried out abroad. The plans would mean the Director of Public Prosecutions would need to give his consent to any arrest warrant issued under universal jurisdiction. This would effectively mean taking that power out of the hands of the courts.

Ministers say the current rules are open to abuse because the evidence required to get a warrant is far below the threshold that would be needed to bring a prosecution. This has meant the rules are often used by those who wish to make a political statement or to cause embarrassment.

From Sky News



Ahh that's better.

[Pappa]

Very disappointing, changing the law to keep the pope safe. Mother-fucker.

Pope To Be Protected From Arrest On UK Visit

The Government has moved to prevent the possibility of an arrest warrant being issued against the Pope during his state visit this autumn.

Sky News understands that Whitehall officials have been "seriously concerned" that campaigners would use international criminal rules to try to detain the Pontiff while he is in the UK. Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson QC were among those campaigners reported to be looking at the options for bringing a private prosecution in relation to the Pope's alleged cover-up of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.

Now Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has proposed changes to the rules on universal jurisdiction, a law that allows individuals to be prosecuted in the UK for serious offences such as war crimes, crimes against humanity and torture even if they were carried out abroad. The plans would mean the Director of Public Prosecutions would need to give his consent to any arrest warrant issued under universal jurisdiction. This would effectively mean taking that power out of the hands of the courts.

Ministers say the current rules are open to abuse because the evidence required to get a warrant is far below the threshold that would be needed to bring a prosecution. This has meant the rules are often used by those who wish to make a political statement or to cause embarrassment.

I read this a day or two ago. On the plus side, the government will have to change the law to do this (I think), and they may lose a vote on it in the Commons.

[charlou]

I read this a day or two ago. On the plus side, the government will have to change the law to do this (I think), and they may lose a vote on it in the Commons.

*bookmark ... *

[Pappa]

I read this a day or two ago. On the plus side, the government will have to change the law to do this (I think), and they may lose a vote on it in the Commons.

*bookmark ... *

From what I understand, there would be nothing preventing an individual attempting a citizen's arrest on the cunt... but they'd likely be arrested themselves for causing an affray or something under anti-terrorism laws.

[Feck]

So now the UK changes it's laws just to protect the Pontiff .I find that highly offensive ,in fact it makes me want to scream .

[Coito ergo sum]

Why is Dawkins publicizing his intent? Why is he saying he's going to do it? Why doesn't he just do it? Now the Pope simply won't come Unless they're counting on the Pope's arrogance in believing he's above the law

I'm not sure Dawkins has the authority to arrest anyone.

[Pensioner]

In any other walk of life a person who protects a child abuser would be arrested within a heart beat, and yet these bastards get away with it. Any Brit politician or lawyer or judge who blocks the arrest are as far as I’m concerned, are as guilty as the abuser.

[Pensioner]

Why is Dawkins publicizing his intent? Why is he saying he's going to do it? Why doesn't he just do it? Now the Pope simply won't come Unless they're counting on the Pope's arrogance in believing he's above the law

I'm not sure Dawkins has the authority to arrest anyone.

I have the power to arrest someone.

"In England and Wales, any member of the public has the power to make an arrest (under Section 24A of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005). In reality, collaring someone bang to rights isn't always going to persuade a criminal to come quietly, but you are still entitled to give it a go under the following circumstances:

* If you witness an indictable offence taking place - you witness someone in the act of breaking certain laws, you are entitled to intervene.
* If you know someone is guilty of an indictable offence - your housemate admits that he buried the landlord under the patio. He has a wild look in his eye, and there's blood all over his hands. Nick him.

The important word his is 'indictable'. It means an offence that is, or could be, tried in a crown court.

You can't make an arrest simply because you suspect someone is guilty of a crime, or about to commit an arrestable offence - however dodgy they may look. It doesn't matter how good your intentions are, if it turns out there was no crime, it could be you who ends up on the wrong side of the law. If the event happens in a public place, you could be sued for defamation.

If you've made an arrest, make sure the offender knows why. He must then be taken before a Magistrate or a police station, otherwise the arrest won't stand up in court. In practise, make sure you alert a police officer at the earliest opportunity. Later, you'll be required to make a full statement, and possibly also appear as a witness in court. So make sure you stay true to the facts."

[maiforpeace]

Here's a petition that anyone can sign that calls to arrest the pope when he visits England...

http://www.gopetition.com/petition/37827.html

[charlou]

Signed and commented. Thanks Mai.

[AnInconvenientScotsman]

Signed

It's good to be back and posting, too actually. Although I notice that the smileys have been expanded. Excellent