In the latest developments of an ongoing case, the BBC reports that Jersey Senator Stuart Syvret has been charged with publishing a confidential police report containing personal data on his blog. He is due to appear before magistrates on Thursday 16 July. Syvret has been a very outspoken critic of public officials.
In a post yesterday on his blog, Syvret wrote:
Just a very brief posting – and sadly it might be my last for some time – as I have just learnt that I’m required at Police Headquarters at 5.00 pm this afternoon where I will be arrested and charged with supposed breaches of the Data Protection Law.
I don’t know if I’ll receive unconditional bail – if not, they’ll keep in the slammer overnight – if not longer.
I’m going to try and get there around 4.50 to speak to some of the media if you feel like coming along to watch.
Just to place my supposed gross criminality in context – I’m going to be arrested and charged – one day after Bill Bailhache – Jersey’s Attorney General – announces – without apparent embarrassment – that 11 of the accused child rapists, child batterers and concealers of child abuse are not to be charged and the cases against them dropped.
And to think – some people still labour under the delusion that the administration of justice and proper rule of law actually works in Jersey.
Though, having said that – you just couldn’t pay for stupidity of this grade.
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Let me leave you with this observation, made by Harry S. Truman:
“My choice early in life was either to be a piano-player in a whorehouse – or a politician. And to tell the truth – there’s hardly any difference.”
I’m just going outside now. I may be some time.
Stuart.