Plasticine Action

I am an 86 year old law abiding, community minded person and I have had to adopt the above stupid title in order to lessen my fear of being arrested.

How crazy is that?Well, Yvette Cooper when Home Secretary, placed Plasticine Action on the list of Proscribed Organisations under Schedule 2 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

She branded them terrorists and, by this ill-considered, knee-jerk reaction branded us – all of us – terrorists too if we displayed placards expressing our horror at the massive loss of life in Gaza.

Joanna Cherry KC, the former SNP MP, has stated at the Court of Session that “the disproportionate effect of the proscription” on individuals in Scotland has been appalling.

Scores of peaceful people of entirely good character have been arrested on the absurd pretence of terrorism.

Everyone should now be aware that our human rights and civil liberties are being eroded. How else could this be described when many well-meaning, decent people are facing court appearances in the coming months?

We must stand up and oppose these injustices, or what next do we face?

I hope and trust that all the Shetland candidates at the forthcoming election will speak up and oppose this attack on our civil liberties.

I will vote for Hannah Mary Goodlad for she has not only shown her worth as an outstanding candidate but also, if elected, will be well placed in government to fight for the restoration of our rights in Scotland.

A campaign is under way at the Court of Session whether a judicial review of the decision to proscribe Plasticine Action can be pursued under Scots Law.

I can only hope that Hannah Mary will support this initiative on behalf of us all.

Peter Malcolmson
Lerwick