Hooded men ruling gives permission to torture
Taking someone to a secret location against their will, putting them up against a wall in a stress position, beating them, hooding them, playing white noise constantly, denying them food, water and sleep doesn’t constitute torture according to the European court of human rights! I awoke this morning to find the news that the hooded men case had upheld the original 1978 ruling, to say I am aggrieved for all the men involved in an understatement, but am I surprised? Not really if I am honest, it is nothing to do with the reality of the case, anyone with even a scant interest in human rights will concede that the five techniques used against these men most certainly counts as torture. I am not surprised because when it comes to human rights abuses there are certain countries that are deemed above that, players if you will and the UK is one of them. In 1971 Ireland was in the midst of mass Internment by the British government, for 14 men this meant the beginning of a period of torture,
I agree with everything you have written, Cáit. The 4 province Federal solution should be promoted by Republicans now to prevent a greater Free State with the 6 Counties being tacked on as a semi-independent province becoming ingrained as the only possible united Ireland.
ReplyDeleteThe decentralisation that comes with Federalism should be embraced. I would support community councils, direct democracy at local level, petitions to force referenda etc. These things would help not only the running of the state but assist with the empowerment of the people which leads to a greater quality of life for citizens. Isn't that what Republicans and socialists want after all?
Agree, at the very least it should be promoted to the level that the general public at least understand what it is and what it means, for me that is our job and we have certainly neglected it! 5 year plan that federalism gets adequate media attention and discussion and a natural body of support can grow from that
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