Category Archives: Human Rights

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

Salman Rushdie at English PEN

Posted on 9 December 2010 by Robert

Here’s a video we made of Salman Rushdie accepting the Golden PEN award from our outgoing president, Lisa Appignanesi. addthis_url = ‘http%3A%2F%2Fwww.robertsharp.co.uk%2F2010%2F12%2F09%2Fsalman-rushdie-at-english-pen%2F’; addthis_title = ‘Salman+Rushdie+at+English+PEN’; addthis_pub = ”;

Posted in Diary, Human Rights, Literature, Multiculturalism | 1 Comment

Wikileaks is More Than Assange

Posted on 8 December 2010 by Robert

Let us assert one thing right now: the personal exploits of Julian Assange tell us nothing about the morality of the Wikileaks project and it’s recent #Cablegate actions. Continue reading →

Posted in Human Rights, Internet Philosophy, Liberal Conspiracy | Leave a comment

The Internet is A Really Nice Place

Posted on 15 November 2010 by Robert

In the Independent, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown writes on the delights that post-colonials bring to the English language, and laments the decline of language and civility online: The future looks bright then, until you notice those who use new technology without due … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Rights, Index on Censorship, Internet Philosophy, Political Correctness, UK | 1 Comment

Day of the Imprisoned Writer

Posted on 15 November 2010 by Robert

Needless to say, I’m delighted at the news that Aung San Suu Kyi has been released from house arrest.  Another English PEN honorary member released, as we mark another Day of the Imprisoned Writer.  The PEN case list still has … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Rights | Leave a comment