New law could make thought a crime
Wicked thoughts are not a crime - yet
By Joshua Rozenberg, Legal Editor
Last updated: 2:18 AM BST 19/06/2008
The 'lyrical terrorist' case has highlighted the ambiguities of a law designed to prevent atrocities .
You can think what you like. That was what the Director of Public Prosecutions told a conference on Monday organised by the free speech group Index on Censorship. Sir Ken Macdonald's remarks were backed up by Home Office minister Tony McNulty.
"We do not seek to outlaw thought," Mr McNulty said. "We do seek to outlaw actions, in some cases."
The Government's aim was to find a balance between "the sanctity of an individual's free speech and the security of the wider society".
What, then, of the self-styled "lyrical terrorist", Samina Malik? Muhammad Abdul Bari, secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain, told a newspaper last December that the former shop assistant had been prosecuted “for what can only be termed really as a thought crime”.
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By Joshua Rozenberg, Legal Editor
Last updated: 2:18 AM BST 19/06/2008
The 'lyrical terrorist' case has highlighted the ambiguities of a law designed to prevent atrocities .
You can think what you like. That was what the Director of Public Prosecutions told a conference on Monday organised by the free speech group Index on Censorship. Sir Ken Macdonald's remarks were backed up by Home Office minister Tony McNulty.
"We do not seek to outlaw thought," Mr McNulty said. "We do seek to outlaw actions, in some cases."
The Government's aim was to find a balance between "the sanctity of an individual's free speech and the security of the wider society".
What, then, of the self-styled "lyrical terrorist", Samina Malik? Muhammad Abdul Bari, secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain, told a newspaper last December that the former shop assistant had been prosecuted “for what can only be termed really as a thought crime”.
--MORE--