Jail for journalists?

[bitchstewie]

The latest bright idea from Patel and Johnson.

Former Guardian editor ALAN RUSBRIDGER: It beggars belief that a government led by a former journalist wants laws that would make criminals of... journalists

[Colonel Cupcake]

It's the kind of thing you would expect in Iran or Saudi Arabia, not here.

However, I was always taught that we lived in a democracy. I know we don't, after what has happened since 2020 but it is hard not to routinely think that we do.

[andyA700]

We already have put Julian Assange in prison, simply because he revealed the dirty great war crimes committed by the US/UK and others.

[BabySharkDooDooDooDooDooDoo]

Media have been compliant with the OFCOM guidelines on not questioning the government over Covid. Probably seeing how much further they can turn the screw before there’s pushback?

[frisbee]

I think public stoning of people critical of the government on forums is something they should consider.

[grumbledoak]

It will go nicely with the anti-protest bill we just passed.

Oh look - wolf whistles!

[pquinn]

andyA700 said:

We already have put Julian Assange in prison, simply because he revealed the dirty great war crimes committed by the US/UK and others.

Or maybe something to do with skipping bail while awaiting an extradition hearing for a sexual assault?

Plus he is not and never was a journo.

[Oakey]

What, this same Alan Rusbridger?

Press Gazette in 2001 said:

Two award-winning journalists who believe they have been "betrayed" by The Guardian over an investigation into police corruption are calling for an inquiry into a letter sent to the newspaper’s editor, Alan Rusbridger, by a senior Metropolitan Police officer.

Michael Gillard and Laurie Flynn want the Police Complaints Authority to find out why a letter, containing what they believe are serious allegations against them and demanding details of their investigation sources, was sent by Commander Andy Hayman to Rusbridger last August.

Press Gazette in 2003 said:

In 2000, Gillard and Flynn were working on freelance contracts for The Guardian investigating alleged police corruption. On 2 August, Hayman sent a “strictly confidential” letter to Rusbridger claiming that the actions of the pair could undermine an important case the Met was working on.

Gillard and Flynn were not shown the letter, taken off the police corruption story and subsequently did not have their Guardian contracts renewed.

Sunday Times in 2012 said:

The former head of Scotland Yard’s anti-corruption unit has revealed that he pressed The Guardian newspaper to halt an investigation by two of its award-winning reporters.

Bob Quick last week told the Leveson inquiry into press standards that police complained about the reporters’ activities, and as a result they left the newspaper.

[LordFlathead]

Colonel Cupcake said:

However, I was always taught that we lived in a democracy. I know we don't, after what has happened since 2020 but it is hard not to routinely think that we do.

The system wants totalitarian control. You only have to look at what's been going on in France for the last two years.. but most people won't have any idea due to the silencing of the media. Their country is at war with their people over mass-vaccination passports.

"They" want digital currency, tracked vehicles, ID apps that log your every move. Sadly I believe it is coming and we are powerless to do anything about it.

[bitchstewie]

Oakey said:

What, this same Alan Rusbridger?

I don't know the details of those examples but I don't think Rusbridger is calling for the press to be able to publish anything is he?

Let's say the Met had people undercover in terrorist organisations you probably wouldn't want the Guardian reporting that and a responsible newspaper wouldn't report it.

Ignoring that he isn't a journalist IMO that's why I don't have any time for Assange.

The examples raised in the article are the kind of thing that badly drafted ill thought out legislation could see journalists criminalised for.

[Jasandjules]

How far our country has fallen into dictatorship should be a concern for all.

[andyA700]

pquinn said:

Or maybe something to do with skipping bail while awaiting an extradition hearing for a sexual assault?

Plus he is not and never was a journo.

I think you need to read up on the case and the Swedish decision to drop the case. It was only ever about the US trying to extradite him for letting the World in on our dirty secrets.

[Rick1.8t]

Jasandjules said:

How far our country has fallen into dictatorship should be a concern for all.

Johnson and friends will spin this in such a manner that many will still lap it up, they seemed un-concerned about the changes in protest and this will be no different.

So no protests, no uncovering government corruption etc, vaccine passports, rewards / credits for lifestyle choices - anything I have missed?

But does it matter, most that voted for him last time will vote for him again - The great libertarian who wants us to be free of regulation... oh wait.

[How u doing]

Jasandjules said:

How far our country has fallen into dictatorship should be a concern for all.

We're pretty far from a dictatorship. We may be turning into a one party state, but who's fault is that?

Sometimes I yearn for a benign dictator.

[dandarez]

Bloody hell Stewie you rushed to start this thread didn't you?
Normally you're slagging off the press and papers, except the Grauniad.
I read Rusbridger's piece you linked to, which is in...

the Wail!

Of all newspapers, the Wail, the one you and all younger generation loathe. Was it in such haste you just saw only the word 'Guardian'?
For christ's sake, you even omitted to apologise for your link to the Wail, which so many on here do.

Asides, what Rusbridger says I agree with, not that he always stuck by his so-called values.

This better sums it all up for me, one of the many famous and usually sensible quotes by that old and wise ex-American President, Thomas Jefferson:

"Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.

Me too.
Oh, that's nowt to do with the brigade.

[bitchstewie]

I think it's nap time Dan