Another nail in democracy’s coffin – punishing dissent without a trial
JVL Introduction
The noose is tightening around our necks; freedom of expression is under extreme threat and the space for principled protest is shrinking as the ruling class bring in measure after measure on top of the extensive powers they already had in order to dramatically increase penalties not only on protestors but on those who might protest.
Monbiot writes here about the use by Corporations of injunction – and also Interim Injunctions ; costs for these can be laid on those named, even when they have done nothing and complied with the injunction. These measures are used particular in relation to climate protestors. And of course those taking direct action against companies complicit in the occupation of Palestine are also in the firing line. Corporate injunctions can be added to the use of the ancient charge of public nuisance against which motivation and proportionality are not a defence to further restrict our freedoms. This is truly distressing and dystopian and must be opposed at every level.
This article was originally published by The Guardian on Thu 29 Jun 2023. Read the original here.
Punishment without trial: Britain’s latest weapon in the war against dissent
Companies are taking out devastating ‘civil injunctions’ against climate activists – and making them pay the costs
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If it’s as easy as George Monbiot says, then the left should make use of it.
Under the law, “One company can seek an injunction against another. Individuals, government agencies and non-profits can also seek injunctions against business, providing strong motivations for businesses to follow ethical principles, such as not harming the public”.
The left are not short of excellent legal advisers, and probably trade unions fall under the heading of non-profit organisations. The TUC might undertake a study.
For example, companies that do not allow workers to sit down when they could just as efficiently do the job sitting down. Warehouses that prevent workers from taking a piss when they have a need to are being harmed. As prime examples of where it could be used.
Come you lefty lawyers what is the chance of a union or individual working getting a civil injunction?
“people without knowledge of the law must defend themselves against companies using the best lawyers money can buy.”….so providing the best justice that money can buy.