Category Archives: Human Rights

Free Belarus Now

Posted on 29 March 2011 by Robert

Michael Murphy pointed out that companies he promotes in Belarus provide local jobs, and lauds the ‘economic opportunity’ that they provide. However, without free expression and democratic checks, this so-called ‘opportunity’ is meaningless, limited only to those who acquiesce to Alexander Lukashenko brutal methods of control. Murphy’s words are hollow, his reasoning unsound and amoral.
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Posted in Human Rights, Theatre | Leave a comment

On How We Go To War

Posted on 20 March 2011 by Robert

Amid all the frantic late night comments about the UN resolution to finally act in Libya, this tweet from @techsoc stood out: All intervention is risky & w/ great downsides. A non-intervention is also an intervention; letting Gaddafi kill using … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, History, Human Rights, Iraq, Middle East, New Labour | 4 Comments

Where is Ali Abdulemam?

Posted on 18 March 2011 by Robert

How many ways can the world’s news media face? There is an environmental and human catastrophe brewing in Japan, and Libya seems to be temporarily cowed by the recent UN resolution. That shunts Bahraini protests into the third spot – … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Rights, Middle East | Leave a comment

Radio Litopia: A Town Named Sue

Posted on 14 March 2011 by Robert

The Litopia online writers colony broadcasts several weekly podcasts on various aspects of writing and literature.  I was invited onto the Debriefer show, presented by Donna Ballman, to discuss the pressing issue of libel reform. You can listen to my … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Diary, Human Rights, Literature, London, Media | Leave a comment

By Spreading Out We’re Harder To Stop

Posted on 21 February 2011 by Robert

I am sure readers will be aware of the long-running global discussion about the role social media can play in revolutions.  Clearly, Facebook and Twitter can catalyse opposition to authoritarian regimes, and spread news of protests and government oppression between … Continue reading →

Posted in Egypt, Human Rights, Internet Philosophy | 1 Comment

Pædos, Prisoners, and Cameron’s Attack on Human Rights

Posted on 17 February 2011 by Robert

What the Prime Minister seems to forget, is that Human Rights laws are designed to protect the most hated in our society, not least because these people are always amongst the most vulnerable too. They are supposed to frustrate our gut reaction. They are meant to be inconvenient. Continue reading →

Posted in Conservatives, Debate, Human Rights, Law and Order | 4 Comments

Liberty, Whatever the Cost [Updated]

Posted on 12 January 2011 by Robert

“There is not enough poxes for your houses” says Jay Rosen to the pundits discussing #Tucson.  Well, here’s an astonishing quote from a non-pundit which goes places no politician dares to tread: This shouldn’t happen in this country, or anywhere … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Rights, Law and Order, Terrorism, USA | Leave a comment

The cowardly fudge behind the rhetoric of Control Orders

Posted on 7 January 2011 by Robert

As the Home Secretary conducts her review of control orders in the coming months, look out for examples of this rhetoric, “we know, but we cannot convict.” It is a half-formed argument, a question not an answer. It is a cowardly fudge for those who do not want to make the tough decision: do we let these suspects go, or do we allow phone-tapping evidence to be admissable in court? Continue reading →

Posted in Debate, Human Rights, Liberal Conspiracy, UK | Leave a comment

The Chilling Effect of Rarely Used Laws

Posted on 4 January 2011 by Robert

You don’t actually need to charge someone under a particular law, for that law to have a horrible chilling effect. Continue reading →

Posted in Asia, Human Rights, Religion, Terrorism | Leave a comment

Lui Xiaobo Goes Viral

Posted on 10 December 2010 by Robert

Lui Xiaobo is locked up. Please disseminate his voice widely. Continue reading →

Posted in China, Human Rights | Leave a comment