PDF - http://pewhispanic.org/files/execsum/53.pdf
"'The number of migrants coming to the United States each year, legally and illegally, grew very rapidly starting in the mid-1990s, hit a peak at the end of the decade, and then declined substantially after 2001. By 2004, the annual inflow of foreign-born persons was down 24% from its all-time high in 2000, according to the Pew Hispanic Center analysis of multiple datasets collected by the Census Bureau and other government agencies.'"
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Terrorists exploit internet / Infosecurity news, 9 Sep 2005
http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/090905_terrorist_use_of_net.htm
"Terrorist groups prefer to use the internet to spread information rather than attack it, said academics at Oxford University's 'Safety and Security in a Networked World' conference. Terrorism aims to communicate, so destroying such a powerful means of communication would be counter-productive, said Shyam Tekwani, an assistant professor at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University's school of communications and information. 'It's very useful for them to keep it running, he told a session on terrorism."
Abstracts of papers delivered at the conference are available at http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/research/cybersafety/
"Terrorist groups prefer to use the internet to spread information rather than attack it, said academics at Oxford University's 'Safety and Security in a Networked World' conference. Terrorism aims to communicate, so destroying such a powerful means of communication would be counter-productive, said Shyam Tekwani, an assistant professor at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University's school of communications and information. 'It's very useful for them to keep it running, he told a session on terrorism."
Abstracts of papers delivered at the conference are available at http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/research/cybersafety/
New US initiative could prove beneficial in UK / Charity Times, 27 Sep 2005
http://www.charitytimes.com/pages/news/September%20news/270905%20us%20initiative.htm
"A new initiative from the American Inland Revenue Service (IRS) in response to hurricane Katrina could benefit UK charities if a similar idea were implemented across the pond, according to accountancy Horwath Clark Whitehill.
Under the IRS' programme, employees can donate holiday, sick or personal leave in exchange for their employer making cash payments to qualified tax-exempt organisations that provide Katrina relief. This, says Horwath Clark Whitehill, could translate into a considerable rise in charitable donations if implemented in the UK.
Graeme Surtees, tax partner at the accountancy, said: "This new idea would ensure that unused holiday entitlement could benefit others and increase charitable contributions, which have been falling continuously over recent years. We all try our best to give generously to worthwhile causes and anything the government can do to make that process easier for all parties involved can only be a good thing." [Snippet]
"A new initiative from the American Inland Revenue Service (IRS) in response to hurricane Katrina could benefit UK charities if a similar idea were implemented across the pond, according to accountancy Horwath Clark Whitehill.
Under the IRS' programme, employees can donate holiday, sick or personal leave in exchange for their employer making cash payments to qualified tax-exempt organisations that provide Katrina relief. This, says Horwath Clark Whitehill, could translate into a considerable rise in charitable donations if implemented in the UK.
Graeme Surtees, tax partner at the accountancy, said: "This new idea would ensure that unused holiday entitlement could benefit others and increase charitable contributions, which have been falling continuously over recent years. We all try our best to give generously to worthwhile causes and anything the government can do to make that process easier for all parties involved can only be a good thing." [Snippet]
Protect our rights - a briefing document on the government's anti-terrorism proposals
A joint analysis from UK's leading civil society organisations
PDF - http://www.statewatch.org/news/2005/sep/protectourrightsbriefing.pdf
PDF - http://www.statewatch.org/news/2005/sep/protectourrightsbriefing.pdf
Friday, September 23, 2005
Interpol creates new tools to fight global crime, terrorism / Noticias.info, 23 Sep 2005
http://www.noticias.info/Asp/PrintingVersionNot.asp?NOT=101750
Interpol's unique role at the centre of global law enforcement has been significantly enhanced by a series of resolutions agreed on at its 74th General Assembly.
Decisions endorsed by delegates were aimed at supporting member countries in combating terrorism and other international crime and to provide a united police response to major international incidents and natural disasters.
Interpol's unique role at the centre of global law enforcement has been significantly enhanced by a series of resolutions agreed on at its 74th General Assembly.
Decisions endorsed by delegates were aimed at supporting member countries in combating terrorism and other international crime and to provide a united police response to major international incidents and natural disasters.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
What's in No 19 Princelet Street? / 26 Sep 2005
http://www.newstatesman.com/200509260033
Sebastian Harcombe
"The plan is that it will become Europe's first Museum of Immigration. At present, No 19 has insufficient funding to open for more than a few days each year. Determined visitors who make it in find themselves in a decaying, ramshackle Grade II* listed building. "
Sebastian Harcombe
"The plan is that it will become Europe's first Museum of Immigration. At present, No 19 has insufficient funding to open for more than a few days each year. Determined visitors who make it in find themselves in a decaying, ramshackle Grade II* listed building. "
Met Specials make a difference / Noticias.info, 22 Sep 2005
http://www.noticias.info/Asp/PrintingVersionNot.asp?NOT=101403
"This month the Metropolitan Special Constabulary Tasking Unit completed another hugely successful operation. The Special Constables assisted with 'Safe Night', an operation that focuses on policing Leicester Square and the surrounding area.
A total of 28 Specials from both the dedicated Tasking Unit (a central pool of Special Constables who can be deployed anywhere across London) and the local borough went on the beat on Friday 16 September. They dealt with a number of offences and made arrests for handling stolen goods, racially aggravated threatening behaviour, drunkenness and public order offences. There were also over 100 instances of alcohol being confiscated, six exclusions implemented and numerous stop and searches.
'Their attitude and commitment was first class. They really engaged with the public, both the well meaning and more troublesome. This is demonstrated by the excellent results in terms of arrests, stops and alcohol seizures and a virtually incident free Friday night in Leicester Square.'" [Snippet]
"This month the Metropolitan Special Constabulary Tasking Unit completed another hugely successful operation. The Special Constables assisted with 'Safe Night', an operation that focuses on policing Leicester Square and the surrounding area.
A total of 28 Specials from both the dedicated Tasking Unit (a central pool of Special Constables who can be deployed anywhere across London) and the local borough went on the beat on Friday 16 September. They dealt with a number of offences and made arrests for handling stolen goods, racially aggravated threatening behaviour, drunkenness and public order offences. There were also over 100 instances of alcohol being confiscated, six exclusions implemented and numerous stop and searches.
'Their attitude and commitment was first class. They really engaged with the public, both the well meaning and more troublesome. This is demonstrated by the excellent results in terms of arrests, stops and alcohol seizures and a virtually incident free Friday night in Leicester Square.'" [Snippet]
The Terrorist Threat and the Policy Response in Pakistan / SIPRI Policy Paper No. 11, 20 Sep 2005
http://www.sipri.org/contents/publications/Policypaper11.html
Aarish Ullah Khan
"In this Policy Paper Aarish Ullah Khan sets out in concentrated and penetrating fashion the historical, political and strategic background to Pakistan�s experiences with religiously motivated terrorism as both a tool and a curse. He shows that, while Pakistan�s identity as a nation state is inseparable from Islam, no such easy equation can be made with religious extremism or with the related brands of terrorism. Rather, certain Pakistani leaderships (and power constituencies, like the army) have chosen to instrumentalize religious fervour and even terrorist violence for their political and strategic purposes at various times� not always against the wishes of Western powers."
Aarish Ullah Khan
"In this Policy Paper Aarish Ullah Khan sets out in concentrated and penetrating fashion the historical, political and strategic background to Pakistan�s experiences with religiously motivated terrorism as both a tool and a curse. He shows that, while Pakistan�s identity as a nation state is inseparable from Islam, no such easy equation can be made with religious extremism or with the related brands of terrorism. Rather, certain Pakistani leaderships (and power constituencies, like the army) have chosen to instrumentalize religious fervour and even terrorist violence for their political and strategic purposes at various times� not always against the wishes of Western powers."
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
The menace of multiculturalism / The Washington Times, 14 Sep 2005
http://www.washtimes.com/op-ed/20050914-091904-7671r.htm
" 'Multiculturalism' is the notion that all cultures are inherently equal; the notion should not only be tolerated, but encouraged. The Judeo-Christian values that undergirded the founding of our country and inspired the moral rules that bound us together in a common culture, honored even when honored in the breach, are to be held in doubt and suspicion. When these values were deconstructed, so that they no longer held us together, the literary, philosophical and historical canons of Western civilization changed. "
" 'Multiculturalism' is the notion that all cultures are inherently equal; the notion should not only be tolerated, but encouraged. The Judeo-Christian values that undergirded the founding of our country and inspired the moral rules that bound us together in a common culture, honored even when honored in the breach, are to be held in doubt and suspicion. When these values were deconstructed, so that they no longer held us together, the literary, philosophical and historical canons of Western civilization changed. "
Analyzing Asylum Applications / Migration Information Source - Data Tools
http://www.migrationinformation.org/DataTools/asylum.cfm
"Between 1980 and 2004, 9.9 million applications for asylum were lodged in 39 countries in Europe, North America, Oceania, and Asia. This data tool allows you to analyze the numbers and origins of asylum seekers over 24 years.
The data are limited to applications only and are not the number of persons who were granted asylum or resettled.
The source of the data is the UNHCR Population Data Unit. Most of the 39 countries included in the UNHCR data are those with developed asylum systems where information is available. "
"Between 1980 and 2004, 9.9 million applications for asylum were lodged in 39 countries in Europe, North America, Oceania, and Asia. This data tool allows you to analyze the numbers and origins of asylum seekers over 24 years.
The data are limited to applications only and are not the number of persons who were granted asylum or resettled.
The source of the data is the UNHCR Population Data Unit. Most of the 39 countries included in the UNHCR data are those with developed asylum systems where information is available. "
Exploring Religious Conflict / Rand Publications, 2005
http://www.rand.org/publications/CF/CF211/
Gregory F. Treverton, Heather S. Gregg, Daniel Gibran, Charles Yost
"Reports the result of a workshop that brought together intelligence analysts and experts on religion with the goal of providing background and a frame of reference for assessing religious motivations in international politics and discovering what causes religiously rooted violence and how states have sought to take advantage of or contain religious violence-with emphasis on radical Islam.
"
Gregory F. Treverton, Heather S. Gregg, Daniel Gibran, Charles Yost
"Reports the result of a workshop that brought together intelligence analysts and experts on religion with the goal of providing background and a frame of reference for assessing religious motivations in international politics and discovering what causes religiously rooted violence and how states have sought to take advantage of or contain religious violence-with emphasis on radical Islam.
"
Sunday, September 18, 2005
[Australia] DNA kits to help bus drivers fight crime./ ABC News, 17 Sep 2005
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200509/s1462535.htm
"Bus drivers in Perth are to be given DNA kits as a way of combating anti-social behaviour on the city's public transport system. In an Australian first, drivers will be trained to gather DNA evidence to help identify and prosecute those responsible for assaulting them. Western Australian Police Minister Michelle Roberts says they will be able to take samples of saliva or blood which have been left behind after an attack.
'Even if we don't have a match on the DNA, we'll maintain that sample of DNA on our database,' she said.
'If any stage in the future that person re-offends and is caught, we'll be able to trace them back to that earlier crime as well.'
Ms Roberts says the jail term for assaulting a driver is up to ten years." [Snippet]
"Bus drivers in Perth are to be given DNA kits as a way of combating anti-social behaviour on the city's public transport system. In an Australian first, drivers will be trained to gather DNA evidence to help identify and prosecute those responsible for assaulting them. Western Australian Police Minister Michelle Roberts says they will be able to take samples of saliva or blood which have been left behind after an attack.
'Even if we don't have a match on the DNA, we'll maintain that sample of DNA on our database,' she said.
'If any stage in the future that person re-offends and is caught, we'll be able to trace them back to that earlier crime as well.'
Ms Roberts says the jail term for assaulting a driver is up to ten years." [Snippet]
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Police unveil new shop policing scheme / East Anglian Daily Times , 16 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4eqap
Rebecca Shepherd
"Town centre employers in the county are being asked to sign up to the scheme by allowing staff to volunteer as Special Constables to carry out police patrols during some of their working hours. They will work alongside regular officers, other Specials and Police Community Support Officers to deter theft and fraud, as well as discourage anti-social behaviour."
Rebecca Shepherd
"Town centre employers in the county are being asked to sign up to the scheme by allowing staff to volunteer as Special Constables to carry out police patrols during some of their working hours. They will work alongside regular officers, other Specials and Police Community Support Officers to deter theft and fraud, as well as discourage anti-social behaviour."
[Netherlands] Fear of Foreigners / Radio Netherlands, 16 Sep 2005
http://www2.rnw.nl/rnw/en/features/dutchhorizons/curiousorange/050916co?view=Standard
Mindy Ran
"The Dutch Refugee Agency fears Minister Verdonk's policy paper, designed to 'tackle radicalism at its roots', 'could give a new impulse to a cataclysmic spiral of mistrust between Muslims and non-Muslims'. In its response to the government's plans, the VON expressed concern that they further the feeling of 'us' and 'them' and traded on the fear created by terrorists attacks abroad and by the murder of Theo van Gogh."
Mindy Ran
"The Dutch Refugee Agency fears Minister Verdonk's policy paper, designed to 'tackle radicalism at its roots', 'could give a new impulse to a cataclysmic spiral of mistrust between Muslims and non-Muslims'. In its response to the government's plans, the VON expressed concern that they further the feeling of 'us' and 'them' and traded on the fear created by terrorists attacks abroad and by the murder of Theo van Gogh."
[Netherlands] Dutch bill aims to force integration / IOL, 16 Sep 2005
http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3&art_id=qw1126891802375B233
"The government adopted a bill Friday that could force half a million immigrants to take language and culture classes, even if they have been Dutch residents for many years. Under the bill, exams will become compulsory for newcomers, foreigners raising children, welfare recipients and foreign clerics - apparently targeting Muslim imams."
"The government adopted a bill Friday that could force half a million immigrants to take language and culture classes, even if they have been Dutch residents for many years. Under the bill, exams will become compulsory for newcomers, foreigners raising children, welfare recipients and foreign clerics - apparently targeting Muslim imams."
Fight against organised crime / Euractiv, Updated: Friday 5 Aug 2005
http://www.euractiv.com/Article?tcmuri=tcm:29-117526-16&type=LinksDossier
"The issue of organised crime has, since the 2004 Madrid bombings and the 2005 London attacks, taken a back seat to the overriding priority of the fight against terrorism. However, drugs and human trafficking are still policy priorities."
"The issue of organised crime has, since the 2004 Madrid bombings and the 2005 London attacks, taken a back seat to the overriding priority of the fight against terrorism. However, drugs and human trafficking are still policy priorities."
Report reveals links between private security firms and organised crime in SE Europe / Euractiv, 15 Sep 2005
http://www.euractiv.com/Article?tcmuri=tcm:29-144301-16&type=News
Saferworld: SALW and private security companies in South Eastern Europe: A cause or effect of insecurity? - PDF http://www.seesac.org/reports/psc.pdf
Saferworld: SALW and private security companies in South Eastern Europe: A cause or effect of insecurity? - PDF http://www.seesac.org/reports/psc.pdf
[Netherlands] Threat 'substantial' says new Dutch anti-terror site / Expatica Netherlands, 16 Sep 2005
Expatica's Dutch news in English: Threat 'substantial' says new Dutch anti-terror site:
"The chance of an attack in the Netherlands is very real, according to a new website launched by anti-terrorism coordinator. A message on the homepage of the site (www.nctb.nl) said it was unlikely the current threat level of 'substantial' could be reduced in the near future. The four alert levels in the Netherlands are: minimal, limited, substantial and critical. The website was launched on Friday and gives up-to-date information about the national anti-terrorism coordinator's assessment of the level of threat." [Snippet]
"The chance of an attack in the Netherlands is very real, according to a new website launched by anti-terrorism coordinator. A message on the homepage of the site (www.nctb.nl) said it was unlikely the current threat level of 'substantial' could be reduced in the near future. The four alert levels in the Netherlands are: minimal, limited, substantial and critical. The website was launched on Friday and gives up-to-date information about the national anti-terrorism coordinator's assessment of the level of threat." [Snippet]
Why I am NOT a Hyphenated-American / Michigan News, 16 Sep 2005
http://www.michnews.com/artman/publish/article_9501.shtml
Daneen G. Peterson, Ph.D.:
"For most of us Americans, the essence of being an American does not include the use of a hyphen because we do not need the added 'security' of belonging, or having allegiance to, more than one place, country or ancestry. America is enough for us and we simply have no need for anything 'more.' We are proud to be Americans and are duly insulted when we are asked to incorporate a hyphenated attachment by dredging up our past ancestry, in order to append a nationality that would ultimately 'dilute' our esteemed title of 'American.'
We believe it is divisive, corrupt and unnecessary for those who are TRUE Americans to hyphenate. Divisive because the use of the hyphenation 'marks' a person as someone who is not proudly content to BE an American."
Daneen G. Peterson, Ph.D.:
"For most of us Americans, the essence of being an American does not include the use of a hyphen because we do not need the added 'security' of belonging, or having allegiance to, more than one place, country or ancestry. America is enough for us and we simply have no need for anything 'more.' We are proud to be Americans and are duly insulted when we are asked to incorporate a hyphenated attachment by dredging up our past ancestry, in order to append a nationality that would ultimately 'dilute' our esteemed title of 'American.'
We believe it is divisive, corrupt and unnecessary for those who are TRUE Americans to hyphenate. Divisive because the use of the hyphenation 'marks' a person as someone who is not proudly content to BE an American."
Male prisoners 5 times more likely to commit suicide than males not in prison, UK / Medical News Today, 16 Sep 2005
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=30665
"Increased attention to suicide prevention in English and Welsh prisons is urgently needed in light of new data for male suicide in prison, detailed in a research letter published early online by The Lancet. " Lancet - free registratin required.
Suicide in prison / The Lancet, 15 Sep 2005 Frühwald S, Frottier P http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673605673278/fulltext?isEOP=true
Suicides in male prisoners in England and Wales, 1978–2003 / The Lancet, 15 Sep 2005 Fazel S, Benning R, Danesh J http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673605673254/fulltext?isEOP=true
"Increased attention to suicide prevention in English and Welsh prisons is urgently needed in light of new data for male suicide in prison, detailed in a research letter published early online by The Lancet. " Lancet - free registratin required.
Suicide in prison / The Lancet, 15 Sep 2005 Frühwald S, Frottier P http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673605673278/fulltext?isEOP=true
Suicides in male prisoners in England and Wales, 1978–2003 / The Lancet, 15 Sep 2005 Fazel S, Benning R, Danesh J http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673605673254/fulltext?isEOP=true
Abused children and anger, study / Medical News Today, 15 Sep 2005
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=30643
"Even the subtlest hints of anger or hostility in their environment sets physically abused children on prolonged 'alert', even if a conflict has nothing to do with them. The tendency to stay attentive of nearby discord is probably a natural form of self-preservation in children who routinely face aggression. But it may also explain why abused children are often so distracted at school,"
"Even the subtlest hints of anger or hostility in their environment sets physically abused children on prolonged 'alert', even if a conflict has nothing to do with them. The tendency to stay attentive of nearby discord is probably a natural form of self-preservation in children who routinely face aggression. But it may also explain why abused children are often so distracted at school,"
Local police forces 'could be cut by a third' / Daily Mail, 16 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4eqah
"A report has recommended that smaller police forces should be scrapped in the biggest shake-up of policing for more than 30 years, following concern from the Home Office that the current set-up." Lists the likely candidates.
"A report has recommended that smaller police forces should be scrapped in the biggest shake-up of policing for more than 30 years, following concern from the Home Office that the current set-up." Lists the likely candidates.
Police 'not fit to beat crime and terrorism' / Times, 17 Sep 2005
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,22989-1784295,00.html
Richard Ford
"MANY police forces are unfit to deal with the problems of the 21st century, according to a damning report which says that organised crime is flourishing and drug abuse more widespread than commonly acknowledged. The report, by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, will be used by Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, to press for the biggest reforms to the police in modern history, including a large reduction in the existing 43 forces in England and Wales. "
Richard Ford
"MANY police forces are unfit to deal with the problems of the 21st century, according to a damning report which says that organised crime is flourishing and drug abuse more widespread than commonly acknowledged. The report, by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, will be used by Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, to press for the biggest reforms to the police in modern history, including a large reduction in the existing 43 forces in England and Wales. "
Police plan home visits for louts / BBC, 16 Sep 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/bradford/4251418.stm
"Louts who have a record of violence or bad behaviour while drunk will be visited by police at home - as they get ready for another night out. Police in Keighley, West Yorkshire, are targeting drunks in the town through CCTV cameras. Inspector Owen West, of the town's Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We will also be visiting people who we know tend to get involved in violent crime fuelled by drink. We will go to their homes as they are getting ready to go out and make a note of the clothes they are wearing." [Snippet]
"
"Louts who have a record of violence or bad behaviour while drunk will be visited by police at home - as they get ready for another night out. Police in Keighley, West Yorkshire, are targeting drunks in the town through CCTV cameras. Inspector Owen West, of the town's Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We will also be visiting people who we know tend to get involved in violent crime fuelled by drink. We will go to their homes as they are getting ready to go out and make a note of the clothes they are wearing." [Snippet]
"
Is it now time for the �truth in sentencing�? / The Herald, 16 Sep 2005
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/47128.html
Lucy Adams
"Politicians and victims have called repeatedly for greater transparency in sentencing and an end to automatic early release.
Currently, the parole board can choose to release prisoners serving four years or more on parole once they have served half of their sentence. Those considered to pose a risk are kept in custody until they have served two-thirds, at which point they are automatically released on licence regardless of the board's concerns.
Professor Jim McManus, chairman of the parole board, said release at the two-thirds stage of a long-term sentence should be made at the discretion of the parole board to avoid forcing the board to automatically release those still considered to be a risk to the public.
Scottish ministers have indicated they will end automatic early release, but the Sentencing Commission, which was appointed by the Scottish Executive and is made up of judges and criminal justice experts, has prepared seven models for the release of criminals, none of which include the automatic system.
They suggest far more radical options, including moving decisions on release from the parole board to the prison service.
Some of the models also propose an end to early release altogether for long and short-term prisoners.
At present, those serving less than four years are released after serving half their prison sentence. Of these short-term cases, only sex offenders or those on supervised release orders (SROs) have to agree to certain restrictions once released.
The models being considered by the Sentencing Commission include consideration of the systems in parts of the US and Australia where early release � not just automatic early release � has been removed altogether.
This followed calls for 'truth in sentencing' because of confusion about how long offenders a"
Lucy Adams
"Politicians and victims have called repeatedly for greater transparency in sentencing and an end to automatic early release.
Currently, the parole board can choose to release prisoners serving four years or more on parole once they have served half of their sentence. Those considered to pose a risk are kept in custody until they have served two-thirds, at which point they are automatically released on licence regardless of the board's concerns.
Professor Jim McManus, chairman of the parole board, said release at the two-thirds stage of a long-term sentence should be made at the discretion of the parole board to avoid forcing the board to automatically release those still considered to be a risk to the public.
Scottish ministers have indicated they will end automatic early release, but the Sentencing Commission, which was appointed by the Scottish Executive and is made up of judges and criminal justice experts, has prepared seven models for the release of criminals, none of which include the automatic system.
They suggest far more radical options, including moving decisions on release from the parole board to the prison service.
Some of the models also propose an end to early release altogether for long and short-term prisoners.
At present, those serving less than four years are released after serving half their prison sentence. Of these short-term cases, only sex offenders or those on supervised release orders (SROs) have to agree to certain restrictions once released.
The models being considered by the Sentencing Commission include consideration of the systems in parts of the US and Australia where early release � not just automatic early release � has been removed altogether.
This followed calls for 'truth in sentencing' because of confusion about how long offenders a"
Leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq Al-Zarqawi Declares "Total War" on Shi'ites, States that the Sunni Women of Tel'afar Had "Their Wombs Filled with the Sperm
of the Crusaders" / MEMRI, 16 Sep 2005
http://www.memri.org/bin/opener_latest.cgi?ID=SD98705
Excerpts from a speech by the leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi.
http://www.memri.org/bin/opener_latest.cgi?ID=SD98705
Excerpts from a speech by the leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi.
Friday, September 16, 2005
The Emir: An Interview with Abu Bakar Ba�asyir, Alleged Leader of the Southeast Asian Jemaah Islamiyah Organization
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369782
Scott Atran
"In this interview, the alleged terrorist leader Abu Bakar Ba’asyir provides his justification for waging jihad against the West. He also explains the calculus of suicide bombers and discusses his interpretation of Islam concerning war and infidels. Despite accusations that he is head of the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist organization and has planned the most lethal terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia, Ba’asyir has only been convicted on conspiracy charges in the 2002 attack on a Bali nightclub that killed 202 people."
Scott Atran
"In this interview, the alleged terrorist leader Abu Bakar Ba’asyir provides his justification for waging jihad against the West. He also explains the calculus of suicide bombers and discusses his interpretation of Islam concerning war and infidels. Despite accusations that he is head of the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist organization and has planned the most lethal terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia, Ba’asyir has only been convicted on conspiracy charges in the 2002 attack on a Bali nightclub that killed 202 people."
Towards evidence-based policymaking / ESRC Society Today, Issue 61, Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4epxh
Sue Duncan
"There is a perception that evidence-based policymaking is 'going out of fashion'. However, Chief Government Social Researcher Sue Duncan argues that the term is widely misunderstood, and that the use of research evidence as a basis for policymaking is alive and well, and set to play a more fundamental role than ever before."
Sue Duncan
"There is a perception that evidence-based policymaking is 'going out of fashion'. However, Chief Government Social Researcher Sue Duncan argues that the term is widely misunderstood, and that the use of research evidence as a basis for policymaking is alive and well, and set to play a more fundamental role than ever before."
Bullies who are bullied are not a special type of person ESRC Society Today, 16 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4epxf
"Prison bullying is not a one-way process, according to new research funded by the ESRC. Among bullies, it found that 71 per cent were also victims, and of those who had themselves been intimidated, 57 per cent bullied others. "
"Prison bullying is not a one-way process, according to new research funded by the ESRC. Among bullies, it found that 71 per cent were also victims, and of those who had themselves been intimidated, 57 per cent bullied others. "
Target practice for the police / spiked-liberties, 13 Sep 2005
http://www.spiked-online.com/articles/0000000CAD55.htm
Josie Appleton
"British police forces have been given target numbers of arrests - and they're offered points and bonuses to reach them. Police in Greater Manchester Police are now set a target of four arrests per month (1). One former officer, who recently left the force, recalls that one month she had only made three arrests. 'Go and arrest somebody for public order', her sergeant instructed."
Josie Appleton
"British police forces have been given target numbers of arrests - and they're offered points and bonuses to reach them. Police in Greater Manchester Police are now set a target of four arrests per month (1). One former officer, who recently left the force, recalls that one month she had only made three arrests. 'Go and arrest somebody for public order', her sergeant instructed."
The September 11th Sourcebooks / The National Security Archive
http://www.gwu.edu/%7Ensarchiv/NSAEBB/sept11/
"The Archive’s mission is to put on the record the primary source documentation that can enrich the policy debate, improve journalism, educate policymakers, and ensure that we don’t reinvent the wheel or repeat the mistakes of the past."
"The Archive’s mission is to put on the record the primary source documentation that can enrich the policy debate, improve journalism, educate policymakers, and ensure that we don’t reinvent the wheel or repeat the mistakes of the past."
Homefront Confidential: How the War on Terrorism Affects Access to Information and the Public’s Right to Know /
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, Sep 2005
PDF - http://www.rcfp.org/homefrontconfidential/Homefront_Confidential_6th.pdf
PDF - http://www.rcfp.org/homefrontconfidential/Homefront_Confidential_6th.pdf
The Importance of Family Dinners II / The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, 2005
PDF - http://www.casacolumbia.org/Absolutenm/articlefiles/380-2005_family_dinners_ii_final.pdf
"How often a family eats dinner together is a powerful indicator of whether a teen is likely to smoke, drink or use drugs and whether the teen is likely to perform better academically."
"How often a family eats dinner together is a powerful indicator of whether a teen is likely to smoke, drink or use drugs and whether the teen is likely to perform better academically."
Interpol G8 advance fight against online child abuse : Image database to aid investigators worldwide / Noticias, 16 Sep 2005
http://www.noticias.info/Asp/PrintingVersionNot.asp?NOT=99398
"The International Child Sexual Exploitation Database (ICSE) will help law enforcement agencies around the world to identify victims of online child abuse and those responsible. ICSE will allow national investigators, using the Interpol communications system, to have improved access to Interpol’s existing database, which already contains hundreds of thousands of images, as well as databases held by police in other countries."
"The International Child Sexual Exploitation Database (ICSE) will help law enforcement agencies around the world to identify victims of online child abuse and those responsible. ICSE will allow national investigators, using the Interpol communications system, to have improved access to Interpol’s existing database, which already contains hundreds of thousands of images, as well as databases held by police in other countries."
Teenage suicide rate 18 times higher among young offenders / Independent, 15 Sep 2005
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/crime/article312726.ece
Maxine Frith
"Teenaged boys in custody are 18 times more likely to kill themselves than those in the general population, research has found. Experts said that boys and young men with serious drug, alcohol and mental health problems were being left untreated in overcrowded and understaffed prisons. This was highlighted when a judge refused to return a mentally disabled prisoner to a young offender institution because of concerns about his welfare."
Maxine Frith
"Teenaged boys in custody are 18 times more likely to kill themselves than those in the general population, research has found. Experts said that boys and young men with serious drug, alcohol and mental health problems were being left untreated in overcrowded and understaffed prisons. This was highlighted when a judge refused to return a mentally disabled prisoner to a young offender institution because of concerns about his welfare."
Youth drug use shock for Ulster / Belfast Telegraph, 15 Sep 2005
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=661600
Nigel gould
"HUNDREDS of Ulster schoolchildren are on drugs by the time they reach 15, a shock new study revealed. Experts have branded drug use in Northern Ireland "a major social problem". And more than one in ten of those surveyed were regular users by the age of 15. These are two of the shock findings from a major five-year study into teenage drug use by the Institute of Child Care Research at Queen's University, Belfast.
Nigel gould
"HUNDREDS of Ulster schoolchildren are on drugs by the time they reach 15, a shock new study revealed. Experts have branded drug use in Northern Ireland "a major social problem". And more than one in ten of those surveyed were regular users by the age of 15. These are two of the shock findings from a major five-year study into teenage drug use by the Institute of Child Care Research at Queen's University, Belfast.
[Canada] Lawyer urges overhaul of secret-hearing system / The Globe and Mail, 15 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4epss
Jeff Sallot
"The government and its intelligence officers can't be trusted to always get it right when they claim somebody is a national-security risk, the chief counsel at the Arar inquiry said yesterday, proposing a system for independent lawyers to vigorously challenge evidence at secret deportation hearings."
Jeff Sallot
"The government and its intelligence officers can't be trusted to always get it right when they claim somebody is a national-security risk, the chief counsel at the Arar inquiry said yesterday, proposing a system for independent lawyers to vigorously challenge evidence at secret deportation hearings."
[Australia] Vanstone threatens to sue / The Age, 15 Sep 2005
http://theage.com.au/articles/2005/09/14/1126377376369.html
Jewel Topsfield
"IMMIGRATION Minister Amanda Vanstone has threatened to sue Labor for slander over claims Government officials fraudulently issued travel documents in false names so that two asylum seekers could be deported to Serbia."
Jewel Topsfield
"IMMIGRATION Minister Amanda Vanstone has threatened to sue Labor for slander over claims Government officials fraudulently issued travel documents in false names so that two asylum seekers could be deported to Serbia."
[Australia] Sudanese may sue over uni article / The Age, 14 Sep 2005
http://theage.com.au/articles/2005/09/14/1126377358555.html
"Called Rethinking the White Australia Policy, the 6,800 word article was written by Associate Professor Andrew Fraser, who's been banned from teaching at Sydney's Macquarie University after making racist remarks.
The Canadian-born academic wrote a letter to his local suburban newspaper in July, claiming Australia was becoming a Third World colony by allowing non-white immigration.
He claimed Africans had low IQs and that their migration increased crime."
"Called Rethinking the White Australia Policy, the 6,800 word article was written by Associate Professor Andrew Fraser, who's been banned from teaching at Sydney's Macquarie University after making racist remarks.
The Canadian-born academic wrote a letter to his local suburban newspaper in July, claiming Australia was becoming a Third World colony by allowing non-white immigration.
He claimed Africans had low IQs and that their migration increased crime."
SCOTLAND YARD: CampusWatch / Noticias.info, 16 Sep 2005
http://www.noticias.info/asp/aspComunicados.asp?nid=98822&src=0
"As the start of a new term sets in, universities across London will see a very different addition to the learning curriculum - students and staff volunteering to become Met police officers to help combat crime on campuses. CampusWatch is a new initiative from the Met, which will see experienced police officers working alongside special constables recruited specifically from universities."
"As the start of a new term sets in, universities across London will see a very different addition to the learning curriculum - students and staff volunteering to become Met police officers to help combat crime on campuses. CampusWatch is a new initiative from the Met, which will see experienced police officers working alongside special constables recruited specifically from universities."
Dutch fight crime with 'cradle to grave' database / Independent, 15 Sep 2005
http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article312799.ece
Elizabeth Davies
"The Dutch government has unveiled plans to create a 'cradle to grave' database on every child born in the Netherlands to identify potential trouble-makers and reduce rising crime rates. Starting on 1 January, 2007, all citizens, each with their own electronic file compiling health, education, family and police records, will be tracked from birth until death, the Health Ministry announced this week."
Elizabeth Davies
"The Dutch government has unveiled plans to create a 'cradle to grave' database on every child born in the Netherlands to identify potential trouble-makers and reduce rising crime rates. Starting on 1 January, 2007, all citizens, each with their own electronic file compiling health, education, family and police records, will be tracked from birth until death, the Health Ministry announced this week."
May The Force Be With You / Staines Guardian, 15 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4eprs
"Plans to move police officers into libraries, supermarkets or high street kiosks are being considered by Surrey police to help make the force more accessible to local communities and provide the public with a more effective service.
A review of police buildings has found that older premises, with high repair and maintenance costs, no longer being used for their original purpose are hampering the efficiency of the modern day police force. Residents will be quizzed as to which sites would best suit their needs and any changes will be put into place over the coming decade."
"Plans to move police officers into libraries, supermarkets or high street kiosks are being considered by Surrey police to help make the force more accessible to local communities and provide the public with a more effective service.
A review of police buildings has found that older premises, with high repair and maintenance costs, no longer being used for their original purpose are hampering the efficiency of the modern day police force. Residents will be quizzed as to which sites would best suit their needs and any changes will be put into place over the coming decade."
Cambs policing to change-but no merger with neighbours / Hunts Post, 15 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4eprx
Paul Richardson
"THE structure of policing in Cambridgeshire is likely to change, but the chairman of the Police Authority, Michael Williamson, has denied that the force is about to amalgamate with neighbouring ones. Both Mr Williamson and Acting Chief Constable Julie Spence said they had an 'open mind' approach to suggestions that Cambridgeshire was to join with Norfolk and Suffolk following a series of successful collaborations."
Paul Richardson
"THE structure of policing in Cambridgeshire is likely to change, but the chairman of the Police Authority, Michael Williamson, has denied that the force is about to amalgamate with neighbouring ones. Both Mr Williamson and Acting Chief Constable Julie Spence said they had an 'open mind' approach to suggestions that Cambridgeshire was to join with Norfolk and Suffolk following a series of successful collaborations."
ASBO threat furore over recycling bins / HEN News : Harlow Star, 15 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4epsc
"HARLOW Council has been accused of failing to practise what it preaches in its crusade against anti-social behaviour. Numerous complaints about the state of the nearby recycling bins next to shops at Colt Hatch have been ignored. Residents have now started a petition calling for the bins to be removed and are investigating the possibility of serving the council with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order to force it to take action."
"HARLOW Council has been accused of failing to practise what it preaches in its crusade against anti-social behaviour. Numerous complaints about the state of the nearby recycling bins next to shops at Colt Hatch have been ignored. Residents have now started a petition calling for the bins to be removed and are investigating the possibility of serving the council with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order to force it to take action."
[Canada] Terror on our turf / Edmonton Sun, Sep 2005
Terror on our Turf, part 1
You are the target
By Jeremy Loome
The Edmonton Sun (Canada), September 11, 2005
http://www.edmontonsun.com/SpecialSections/Terror/2005/09/09/1209650.html
Terror on our Turf, part 2
Security legislation can be a double-edged sword
By Jeremy Loome
The Edmonton Sun (Canada), September 12, 2005
http://www.edmontonsun.com/SpecialSections/Terror/2005/09/11/1212722.html
Terror on our Turf, part 3
Our image of terrorists is not accurate
By Jeremy Loome
The Edmonton Sun (Canada), September 13, 2005
http://www.edmontonsun.com/SpecialSections/Terror/2005/09/12/1214049.html
Terror on our Turf, part 4
Trouble with tigers
By Jeremy Loome
The Edmonton Sun (Canada), September 14 2005
http://www.edmontonsun.com/SpecialSections/Terror/2005/09/14/1216030.html
Terror on our Turf, part 5
Canada is a haven for identity forgers
By Jeremy Loome
The Edmonton Sun (Canada), September 14 2005
http://www.edmontonsun.com/SpecialSections/Terror/2005/09/14/1216690.html
You are the target
By Jeremy Loome
The Edmonton Sun (Canada), September 11, 2005
http://www.edmontonsun.com/SpecialSections/Terror/2005/09/09/1209650.html
Terror on our Turf, part 2
Security legislation can be a double-edged sword
By Jeremy Loome
The Edmonton Sun (Canada), September 12, 2005
http://www.edmontonsun.com/SpecialSections/Terror/2005/09/11/1212722.html
Terror on our Turf, part 3
Our image of terrorists is not accurate
By Jeremy Loome
The Edmonton Sun (Canada), September 13, 2005
http://www.edmontonsun.com/SpecialSections/Terror/2005/09/12/1214049.html
Terror on our Turf, part 4
Trouble with tigers
By Jeremy Loome
The Edmonton Sun (Canada), September 14 2005
http://www.edmontonsun.com/SpecialSections/Terror/2005/09/14/1216030.html
Terror on our Turf, part 5
Canada is a haven for identity forgers
By Jeremy Loome
The Edmonton Sun (Canada), September 14 2005
http://www.edmontonsun.com/SpecialSections/Terror/2005/09/14/1216690.html
ID card proposal just 'red herring' / Cambridge Evening News, 15 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4eprr
"CAMPAIGNERS have blasted Government claims a national identity card could replace passports. In an attempt to convince sceptical voters, ministers said the biometric cards could be used for travel within the EU. They also promised nobody would be forced to carry them at all times. The cards will store medical records, next-ofkin details and shops will be able to scan them to cut down on credit card fraud. But members of Cambridge NO2ID said the proposal was a 'red herring'."
"CAMPAIGNERS have blasted Government claims a national identity card could replace passports. In an attempt to convince sceptical voters, ministers said the biometric cards could be used for travel within the EU. They also promised nobody would be forced to carry them at all times. The cards will store medical records, next-ofkin details and shops will be able to scan them to cut down on credit card fraud. But members of Cambridge NO2ID said the proposal was a 'red herring'."
Tayside Police scientists say a new forensic security system they've developed is foolproof / North Tonight, 15 Sep 2005
http://northtonight.grampiantv.co.uk/content/default.asp?page=s1_1_1&newsid=7526
"Security DNA will help the UK's leading banks recover stolen cash and prosecute robbers. The tell tale signs of a bank robbery - In Brechin in two thousand and three thieves nearly got away with thousands but red dye exploded, making the money unusable.
This security system, used the world over, is crude but effective...Tayside Police believe they've gone one better.
At the forces labs, the forensics department have been developing Security DNA - a breakthrough they say, in the fight against cash crime.
The new system will mean that any money which has been stolen from a bank or a cash machine will not only be covered in ink or smoke from the traditional security systems.
The money will also be contaminated with manufactured DNA - invisible and indelible - that will allow Tayside Police to trace it back to the bank from which it was taken.
The system has been adopted on by the Royal Bank of Scotland, Natwest and the Ulster bank and will see Tayside Police analyse and trace any bank notes which have been recovered from a robbery.
The new technique is, according to the developers, foolproof and has been hailed as the most important step for years in fighting cash crime." [Snippet]
"Security DNA will help the UK's leading banks recover stolen cash and prosecute robbers. The tell tale signs of a bank robbery - In Brechin in two thousand and three thieves nearly got away with thousands but red dye exploded, making the money unusable.
This security system, used the world over, is crude but effective...Tayside Police believe they've gone one better.
At the forces labs, the forensics department have been developing Security DNA - a breakthrough they say, in the fight against cash crime.
The new system will mean that any money which has been stolen from a bank or a cash machine will not only be covered in ink or smoke from the traditional security systems.
The money will also be contaminated with manufactured DNA - invisible and indelible - that will allow Tayside Police to trace it back to the bank from which it was taken.
The system has been adopted on by the Royal Bank of Scotland, Natwest and the Ulster bank and will see Tayside Police analyse and trace any bank notes which have been recovered from a robbery.
The new technique is, according to the developers, foolproof and has been hailed as the most important step for years in fighting cash crime." [Snippet]
Are Saudi Summer Camps Encouraging Terrorism? / MEMRI, 16 Sep 2005
http://memri.org/bin/latestnews.cgi?ID=IA24105
Y. Yehoshua
"During the summer of 2005, the Saudi media started reexamining the activities at Saudi summer camps. Intellectuals and columnists in the Saudi press claimed that terrorists and extremists were using the camps to spread their views and to recruit youth. As evidence, they presented cases of terrorists attending the camps as both campers and counselors. "
Y. Yehoshua
"During the summer of 2005, the Saudi media started reexamining the activities at Saudi summer camps. Intellectuals and columnists in the Saudi press claimed that terrorists and extremists were using the camps to spread their views and to recruit youth. As evidence, they presented cases of terrorists attending the camps as both campers and counselors. "
Three-quarters of a million "illegal aliens" now banned from Schengen area / Statewatch, 2005
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2005/apr/08SISart96.htm
"Documents obtained by Statewatch show for the first time the country-by-country breakdown of Article 96 'alerts' (records) in the Schengen Information System. Article 96 is the category under which Schengen states register 'illegal aliens' - people to be denied access to Schengen territory on immigration, public order or national security grounds. The figures show that there is a massive discrepancy in the practise of Schengen states when it comes to registering 'aliens' on the SIS:"
"Documents obtained by Statewatch show for the first time the country-by-country breakdown of Article 96 'alerts' (records) in the Schengen Information System. Article 96 is the category under which Schengen states register 'illegal aliens' - people to be denied access to Schengen territory on immigration, public order or national security grounds. The figures show that there is a massive discrepancy in the practise of Schengen states when it comes to registering 'aliens' on the SIS:"
UK: Metropolitan Police Special Branch (MPSB) to be amalgamated with the Anti-Terrorism Branch / Statewatch, 9 Sep 2005
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2005/sep/06uk-special-branch.htm
"Scotland Yard briefed journalists (see, Guardian, Times and Daily Telegraph, 9.9.05) on a planned merger of the Metropolitan Police Special Branch (MPSB, SO12) and the Anti-Terrorist Branch (SO13). The MPSB carries out a national role within the Special Branch as well as one covering London - it is the original Special Branch founded in 1883 to counter Fenian bombings and was then called the Special Irish Branch. "Scotland Yard" is the term used when referring to national functions as distinct from the Metropolitan Police force which deals with policing in the capital. Special Branches' outside London will continue their work in the other 50 police forces in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland."
"Scotland Yard briefed journalists (see, Guardian, Times and Daily Telegraph, 9.9.05) on a planned merger of the Metropolitan Police Special Branch (MPSB, SO12) and the Anti-Terrorist Branch (SO13). The MPSB carries out a national role within the Special Branch as well as one covering London - it is the original Special Branch founded in 1883 to counter Fenian bombings and was then called the Special Irish Branch. "Scotland Yard" is the term used when referring to national functions as distinct from the Metropolitan Police force which deals with policing in the capital. Special Branches' outside London will continue their work in the other 50 police forces in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland."
Statewatch News online: Speech by Charles Clarke, UK Home Secretary, to the European Parliament
Statewatch News online: Speech by Charles Clarke, UK Home Secretary, to the European Parliament: "Speech by Charles Clarke, UK Home Secretary, to the European Parliament"
[Denmark] Review of reporting of data under Article 96 of the Schengen Convention - National Commissioner´s ref. no. 2004-5162-45
PDF - http://www.statewatch.org/news/2005/sep/danish-dp.pdf
Following a request from the Danish Data Protection Agency
the National Commissioner of Police was asked to review the 443 Article 96 "alerts" (aliens to be denied entry to the Schengen area) placed on the Schengen Information System (SIS) by Denmark. It was found that "the reporting had been erroneous in 25 cases" (5.6%) as well as various other errors (a total of 68 are set out, 15%) including failure to update the data. Letter from Danish DPA
Following a request from the Danish Data Protection Agency
the National Commissioner of Police was asked to review the 443 Article 96 "alerts" (aliens to be denied entry to the Schengen area) placed on the Schengen Information System (SIS) by Denmark. It was found that "the reporting had been erroneous in 25 cases" (5.6%) as well as various other errors (a total of 68 are set out, 15%) including failure to update the data. Letter from Danish DPA
DATA PROTECTION AND DATA RETENTION PROPOSALS / EU, Sep 2005
PDF - http://www.statewatch.org/news/2005/sep/com-data-protection-prop.pdf
Data protection activities of police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters provided for by Title VI of the TEU:
Data protection activities of police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters provided for by Title VI of the TEU:
Thursday, September 15, 2005
More penalties, less justice / CSF, Summer 2005
http://www.crimeandsociety.org.uk/articles/mplj.html
Rebecca Roberts
"There has been longstanding support for attempts made to divert individuals, particularly young people, from the courts and criminal justice system. These attempts have often been based on the understanding that the criminal justice system criminalises and often harms those drawn into it and for some people Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs) are a recent example of this. PNDs do provide an opportunity for dealing with individuals outside the courts, but evidence suggests that they provide greater opportunity for directing more people into the criminal justice system. This article discusses the diversionary aspects of PNDs and argues that an intervention initially presented as a way of diverting individuals from the negative aspects of the criminal justice system is now emerging as punitive and net-widening."
Rebecca Roberts
"There has been longstanding support for attempts made to divert individuals, particularly young people, from the courts and criminal justice system. These attempts have often been based on the understanding that the criminal justice system criminalises and often harms those drawn into it and for some people Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs) are a recent example of this. PNDs do provide an opportunity for dealing with individuals outside the courts, but evidence suggests that they provide greater opportunity for directing more people into the criminal justice system. This article discusses the diversionary aspects of PNDs and argues that an intervention initially presented as a way of diverting individuals from the negative aspects of the criminal justice system is now emerging as punitive and net-widening."
A new map of Britain / New Statesman, 12 Sep 2005
http://www.newstatesman.com/200509120008
Mark Easton
"Why didn't we know? The Home Office is obsessive about data, but for years its Immigration Research and Statistics Service has been focusing on asylum-seekers and 'illegals', even though legal migration has been the biggest factor in our population growth. "
Mark Easton
"Why didn't we know? The Home Office is obsessive about data, but for years its Immigration Research and Statistics Service has been focusing on asylum-seekers and 'illegals', even though legal migration has been the biggest factor in our population growth. "
The Gathering storm / New Statesman, 19 Sep 2005
http://www.newstatesman.com/200509190006
Daniel Johnson on Germany
David Lawday on France
"Historic change is looming in the heart of Europe. At stake is far more than a mere change of leaders - Germany and France face economic and cultural upheavals of a kind that comes once in a generation. "
Daniel Johnson on Germany
David Lawday on France
"Historic change is looming in the heart of Europe. At stake is far more than a mere change of leaders - Germany and France face economic and cultural upheavals of a kind that comes once in a generation. "
Man Against Machine / GovTech, 14- Sep 2005
http://www.govtech.net/news/news.php?id=96584
"Computer-generated method outperforms human-designed program for fingerprint improvement. A program used to compress fingerprint images--images that may prove guilt or innocence--must not introduce distortion that limits its usefulness. The FBI and its collaborators designed the current world-standard program for fingerprint image compression, known as WSQ, in the early 1990s to compress images to about one-fifteenth of their original byte size."
"Computer-generated method outperforms human-designed program for fingerprint improvement. A program used to compress fingerprint images--images that may prove guilt or innocence--must not introduce distortion that limits its usefulness. The FBI and its collaborators designed the current world-standard program for fingerprint image compression, known as WSQ, in the early 1990s to compress images to about one-fifteenth of their original byte size."
SAMHSA Releases TIP on Substance Abuse Treatment in the Criminal Justice System / Join Together, 14 Sep 2005
http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/alerts/reader/0%2C1854%2C578264%2C00.html
"TIP 44 provides information on state-of-the-art screening, assessments, treatment services and follow-up services for individuals in a variety of criminal justice settings. "
PDF - Tip 44 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=hstat5.chapter.80017
"TIP 44 provides information on state-of-the-art screening, assessments, treatment services and follow-up services for individuals in a variety of criminal justice settings. "
PDF - Tip 44 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=hstat5.chapter.80017
Legal trespass / Times, 14 Sep 2005
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,542-1779242,00.html
"For the first time in its 53-year existence, the European Court of Justice has given the Commission in Brussels the power to impose criminal sanctions. In a landmark ruling that is as ominous as it is deluded, the Luxembourg-based court yesterday overruled the governments of EU member states, removing from them the sole right to impose their own penalties on people or companies breaking the law, and giving the unelected EU Commission an unprecedented role in the administration of criminal justice. "
"For the first time in its 53-year existence, the European Court of Justice has given the Commission in Brussels the power to impose criminal sanctions. In a landmark ruling that is as ominous as it is deluded, the Luxembourg-based court yesterday overruled the governments of EU member states, removing from them the sole right to impose their own penalties on people or companies breaking the law, and giving the unelected EU Commission an unprecedented role in the administration of criminal justice. "
Revealed: the tooth about victims' ages [/ The Australian, 15 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4epmx
Leigh Dayton
"IN true CSI style, experts can now determine when unidentified disaster victims were born by measuring the radioactive carbon in their teeth. The key to the new forensic technique comes courtesy of Cold War nuclear bomb tests, as well as data compiled by Australian researchers. The technique, developed by Swiss and US experts, promises to be particularly useful during investigations of disasters such as aircraft crashes, terrorist attacks and hurricanes."
Leigh Dayton
"IN true CSI style, experts can now determine when unidentified disaster victims were born by measuring the radioactive carbon in their teeth. The key to the new forensic technique comes courtesy of Cold War nuclear bomb tests, as well as data compiled by Australian researchers. The technique, developed by Swiss and US experts, promises to be particularly useful during investigations of disasters such as aircraft crashes, terrorist attacks and hurricanes."
Study of faulty fingerprints debunks forensic science 'zero error' claim / Psych Org, 13 Sep 2005
http://www.physorg.com/news6455.html
"While forensic scientists have long claimed fingerprint evidence is infallible, the widely publicized error that landed an innocent American behind bars as a suspect in the Madrid train bombing alerted the nation to the potential flaws in the system. Now, UC Irvine criminologist Simon Cole has shown that not only do errors occur, but as many as a thousand incorrect fingerprint 'matches' could be made each year in the U.S. This is in spite of safeguards intended to prevent errors. "
"While forensic scientists have long claimed fingerprint evidence is infallible, the widely publicized error that landed an innocent American behind bars as a suspect in the Madrid train bombing alerted the nation to the potential flaws in the system. Now, UC Irvine criminologist Simon Cole has shown that not only do errors occur, but as many as a thousand incorrect fingerprint 'matches' could be made each year in the U.S. This is in spite of safeguards intended to prevent errors. "
Smart ID Cards Debated / PCWorld, 14 Sep 2005
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,122537,00.asp
Grant Gross
"Panelists ponder whether all-in-one biometric cards are handy or hazardous."
Grant Gross
"Panelists ponder whether all-in-one biometric cards are handy or hazardous."
[USA] Felons' DNA Samples Lead To Hundreds Of Cold Case Suspects / NBC 4, 14 Sep 2005
"LA County District Attorney Steve Cooley says there has been a dramatic increase in the number of cold cases being solved in California since voters approved a measure expanding the collection of DNA samples from felons. Less than a year after Proposition 69 was passed by the state's voters, there have been close to 1,700 so-called 'cold hits' in the state this year involving previously unsolved cases. The number of cold hits in 2002 was just over 200, according to Cooley. " [Snippet]
Privacy and prejudice: whose ID is it anyway / New Scientist, No. 2517, 17 Sep 2005
Duncan Graham-Rowe
"Who will be the winners and losers in an age when each of us is assigned a digital identity? How will our lives change, and what impact will this revolution have on our personal privacy? In just a few years from now, every citizen of most western countries, and probably many more besides, will be required to carry their digital identity with them wherever they go. Our digital personas will be derived from biometrics that are unique to each of us, such as fingerprints, iris patterns and facial profiles. And this digital identity will open doors, in some cases literally, giving us access to our home, workplace, finances and medical records."
"Who will be the winners and losers in an age when each of us is assigned a digital identity? How will our lives change, and what impact will this revolution have on our personal privacy? In just a few years from now, every citizen of most western countries, and probably many more besides, will be required to carry their digital identity with them wherever they go. Our digital personas will be derived from biometrics that are unique to each of us, such as fingerprints, iris patterns and facial profiles. And this digital identity will open doors, in some cases literally, giving us access to our home, workplace, finances and medical records."
UN unable even to define terrorism as 160 slaughtered / Scotsman, 15 Sep 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1940272005
James Kirkup
"Key points
� UN fails to agree on common standard on terrorism
� 160 killed in Iraq today from attacks linked to the al-Qaeda network
� Blair and Bush lead campaign to outlaw those who incite terrorism
THE United Nations yesterday failed to agree a common global standard on terrorism, fuelling western leaders' fears that the world body is not willing to confront one of the defining threats of the age. "
James Kirkup
"Key points
� UN fails to agree on common standard on terrorism
� 160 killed in Iraq today from attacks linked to the al-Qaeda network
� Blair and Bush lead campaign to outlaw those who incite terrorism
THE United Nations yesterday failed to agree a common global standard on terrorism, fuelling western leaders' fears that the world body is not willing to confront one of the defining threats of the age. "
Almost 500 foreign mafia gangs operate in Spain / Expatica Spain, 14 Sep 2005
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=81&story_id=23670
"There are now almost 500 foreign mafia gangs in Spain and last year they made EUR 1.2 billion in profit, a report says. The Spanish General Police Commission report said the numbers are growing at an alarming rate. Last year, they made at least EUR 1bn profits, though they were also said to own property worth EUR 1.4bn."
"There are now almost 500 foreign mafia gangs in Spain and last year they made EUR 1.2 billion in profit, a report says. The Spanish General Police Commission report said the numbers are growing at an alarming rate. Last year, they made at least EUR 1bn profits, though they were also said to own property worth EUR 1.4bn."
REFUGEE SCHEME COMES TO CITIES / Community Newswire, 15 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4epmq
Ben Padley
"A unique refugee mentoring scheme, developed by national volunteering charity TimeBank, is set to be introduced in Southampton and Portsmouth. The Time Together scheme will be introduced this autumn after a successful joint tender from City Life Education & Action for Refugees (Clear) and Portsmouth Area Refugee Support (PARS). The scheme has the aim of helping refugees settle into British society and to create ambassadors for refugees in UK communities."
Ben Padley
"A unique refugee mentoring scheme, developed by national volunteering charity TimeBank, is set to be introduced in Southampton and Portsmouth. The Time Together scheme will be introduced this autumn after a successful joint tender from City Life Education & Action for Refugees (Clear) and Portsmouth Area Refugee Support (PARS). The scheme has the aim of helping refugees settle into British society and to create ambassadors for refugees in UK communities."
[Australia] Juvenile justice system runs wild / Sydney Morning Herald, 15 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4epmn
Johnathan Pearlman
"A government department set up 14 years ago to rehabilitate juvenile criminals has never recorded reoffending rates and is unable to measure the success of its detention centres and educational activities, a report by the NSW Audit Office says.
The Auditor-General, Bob Sendt, said the Department of Juvenile Justice had failed to monitor its own performance or collect information to assist the long-term management of offenders. 'After 14 years I would have thought they would have made more effort,' he said."
PDF - Managing and Measuring Success: Department of Juvenile Justice - http://digbig.com/4epmp
Johnathan Pearlman
"A government department set up 14 years ago to rehabilitate juvenile criminals has never recorded reoffending rates and is unable to measure the success of its detention centres and educational activities, a report by the NSW Audit Office says.
The Auditor-General, Bob Sendt, said the Department of Juvenile Justice had failed to monitor its own performance or collect information to assist the long-term management of offenders. 'After 14 years I would have thought they would have made more effort,' he said."
PDF - Managing and Measuring Success: Department of Juvenile Justice - http://digbig.com/4epmp
Public support for prison as strong as ever: Gunn / The Buchan Observer, 15 Sep 2005
http://www.buchanie.co.uk/archived/2005/Week_37/news/prison.asp
Morag Ledingham
"Mr Gunn explained that one of the criteria for a new prison in Peterhead was that the jail had to support a regime aimed at reducing offending, including community placements and the maintenance of family links.
'There is a potential minus in there in that we have to do our best to maintain family links, and obviously the question of distance comes into that. However, you need to maintain and strengthen these links to allow prisoners to be less likely to offend on re-release"
Morag Ledingham
"Mr Gunn explained that one of the criteria for a new prison in Peterhead was that the jail had to support a regime aimed at reducing offending, including community placements and the maintenance of family links.
'There is a potential minus in there in that we have to do our best to maintain family links, and obviously the question of distance comes into that. However, you need to maintain and strengthen these links to allow prisoners to be less likely to offend on re-release"
[Ireland] Juvenile offenders approve of move / Irish Examiner, 14 Sep 2005
http://www.examiner.ie/pport/web/ireland/Full_Story/did-sguQFjEy0VafosglO-LCk0lQvU.asp
Cormac O'Keeffe
MORE than nine out of 10 juvenile offenders and their victims are happy with a garda programme bringing them together, research shows. The study calls for the expansion of the Garda Restorative Justice Programme through greater resources and support.
The restorative justice programme is an alternative to the criminal process and aims to repair the harm of a crime and prevent reoffending. A study found that between 93%-94% of victims, offenders and offender supporters expressed - very high levels of satisfaction - with the programme. "
Cormac O'Keeffe
MORE than nine out of 10 juvenile offenders and their victims are happy with a garda programme bringing them together, research shows. The study calls for the expansion of the Garda Restorative Justice Programme through greater resources and support.
The restorative justice programme is an alternative to the criminal process and aims to repair the harm of a crime and prevent reoffending. A study found that between 93%-94% of victims, offenders and offender supporters expressed - very high levels of satisfaction - with the programme. "
Ghettos of the mind / The Economist, 8 Sep 2005
"Immigration and population growth have obscured the progress of some Pakistanis and Bangladeshis and made them vulnerable to accusations that they do not wish to live among whites. That is unfortunate at a time when Muslims have become associated with extremism. The new arrivals have some advantages, though: they have pushed up the price of housing, helping the better-off to escape the ghetto."
9/11 Panel Says U.S. Hasn't Enacted Crucial Reforms / Washington Post, 14 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4epmj
Dan Eggen
"Local emergency officials are still unable to reliably communicate with one another during disasters, the federal government has no clear system of command and control for responding to a crisis, and authorities have faltered in enacting basic border controls designed to keep out terrorists, according to the report's findings, which commission members outlined in interviews."
Dan Eggen
"Local emergency officials are still unable to reliably communicate with one another during disasters, the federal government has no clear system of command and control for responding to a crisis, and authorities have faltered in enacting basic border controls designed to keep out terrorists, according to the report's findings, which commission members outlined in interviews."
[USA] Electronic passports headed your way / Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4epkx
Alfred Borcover
"e-passports will contain an electronic chip with uniquely encoded biometric information (a facial photograph), a coil, or antenna, if you will, embedded into the back cover. The encoded chip will duplicate the information that's on the passport's data page--digitized photo, name, birth date, place of birth, nationality, etc. The e-passport also will incorporate codes and additional anti-fraud and security features. With today's thin technology, the chip, coil and metallic security shield will not add any detectable thickness to the cover."
Alfred Borcover
"e-passports will contain an electronic chip with uniquely encoded biometric information (a facial photograph), a coil, or antenna, if you will, embedded into the back cover. The encoded chip will duplicate the information that's on the passport's data page--digitized photo, name, birth date, place of birth, nationality, etc. The e-passport also will incorporate codes and additional anti-fraud and security features. With today's thin technology, the chip, coil and metallic security shield will not add any detectable thickness to the cover."
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Asbo tzar launches anti-yob line BBC, 13 Sep 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/4241710.stm
"A phone line for people to report yobbish behaviour has been launched in Cardiff and Newport. The Home Office's 'Asbo tzar' Louise Casey visited both cities to highlight the It's Your Call line.
The scheme aims to make it easier for people to report nuisance neighbours, vandalism or graffiti in their area."
"A phone line for people to report yobbish behaviour has been launched in Cardiff and Newport. The Home Office's 'Asbo tzar' Louise Casey visited both cities to highlight the It's Your Call line.
The scheme aims to make it easier for people to report nuisance neighbours, vandalism or graffiti in their area."
New night-time team to help antisocial behaviour victims / Scotsman, [Edinburgh] 13 Sep 2005-
http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh.cfm?id=1931472005
Brian Ferguson
"NEIGHBOURS from hell and teen tearaways are being targeted by a new night-time team set up to fight antisocial behaviour.
City leaders have set up a hotline which will provide a round-the-clock service to tackle complaints about vandalism, gangs of youths, flytipping and other low-level crime.
For the first time, a team of officers will respond immediately to night-time calls from the public about nuisance behaviour. "
Brian Ferguson
"NEIGHBOURS from hell and teen tearaways are being targeted by a new night-time team set up to fight antisocial behaviour.
City leaders have set up a hotline which will provide a round-the-clock service to tackle complaints about vandalism, gangs of youths, flytipping and other low-level crime.
For the first time, a team of officers will respond immediately to night-time calls from the public about nuisance behaviour. "
Rural forces to be main casualties of police reform / The Times, 13 Sep 2005
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1777629,00.html
Richard Ford
"The Home Secretary is to support proposals to cut the number of forces by a third as part of the Government's drive to improve the fight against crime and terrorism. The number of forces would be cut from 43 to fewer than 30 and many rural forces would disappear. "
Richard Ford
"The Home Secretary is to support proposals to cut the number of forces by a third as part of the Government's drive to improve the fight against crime and terrorism. The number of forces would be cut from 43 to fewer than 30 and many rural forces would disappear. "
Civil Partnership / Immigration & Nationality Directorate -
http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/applying/general_caseworking/civil_partnership.html
"At the same time as the Act comes into force, the Immigration Rules and other provisions will be amended to introduce a new category of 'civil partner'. Civil partners will be afforded the same provisions in the Rules that currently exist for spouses of persons present in the United Kingdom here in permanent and temporary categories."
"At the same time as the Act comes into force, the Immigration Rules and other provisions will be amended to introduce a new category of 'civil partner'. Civil partners will be afforded the same provisions in the Rules that currently exist for spouses of persons present in the United Kingdom here in permanent and temporary categories."
[New Zealand] Asians in NZ subjected to racism, study finds / New Zealand Herald, 14 Sep 2005
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10345507
"Many Asians living in New Zealand are subjected to some form of racism, a new study has found. The Asia New Zealand Foundation report, Engaging Asian Communities in New Zealand, revealed the most common form of racism was verbal abuse and rude gestures, often by teenagers or children. Overt racism included damage to cars identifiable as Asian-owned, having bottles or stones thrown at them, and being mocked for poor pronunciation. "
"Many Asians living in New Zealand are subjected to some form of racism, a new study has found. The Asia New Zealand Foundation report, Engaging Asian Communities in New Zealand, revealed the most common form of racism was verbal abuse and rude gestures, often by teenagers or children. Overt racism included damage to cars identifiable as Asian-owned, having bottles or stones thrown at them, and being mocked for poor pronunciation. "
[Netherlands] Report: extra integration for foreign clerics / Expatica Netherlands, 13 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4epft
"The Netherlands should not impose a blanket ban on foreign imams, priests and other clerics settling here, according to a special commission on immigration. It has called instead for an additional integration course for foreign clerics coming to work in the Netherlands."
"The Netherlands should not impose a blanket ban on foreign imams, priests and other clerics settling here, according to a special commission on immigration. It has called instead for an additional integration course for foreign clerics coming to work in the Netherlands."
[Belgium] Somewhere over the rainbow / Expatica Belgium, 14 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4eebk
Khaled Diab
"Belgium's 'rainbow' coalition is coming to the end of its four-year term in office. So what happens now?Since the broad six party liberal-socialist-green alliance came to power in 1999, a number of major global events have propelled the relationship between the Muslim minority and mainstream society - not just in Belgium but across Europe - to the forefront of public debate."
Khaled Diab
"Belgium's 'rainbow' coalition is coming to the end of its four-year term in office. So what happens now?Since the broad six party liberal-socialist-green alliance came to power in 1999, a number of major global events have propelled the relationship between the Muslim minority and mainstream society - not just in Belgium but across Europe - to the forefront of public debate."
Clarke admits MI5 has never said deportations will reduce threat of terrorism / Scotsman, 14 Sep 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=1935052005
James Kirkup
"A senior Whitehall official later confirmed that MI5 had not been involved in the formulation of the deportation policy, and would only become involved if asked to provide a security assessment of individuals facing expulsion. The deportation plan was conceived in the Home Office"
James Kirkup
"A senior Whitehall official later confirmed that MI5 had not been involved in the formulation of the deportation policy, and would only become involved if asked to provide a security assessment of individuals facing expulsion. The deportation plan was conceived in the Home Office"
Terrorism in the UK - 'Shoot-to-kill is our least worst option' / Scotsman, 14 Sep 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=758&id=1935332005
Gerri Peev
"Key points
� Sir Ian Blair stands by shoot-to-kill policy amid criticism
� Relatives of Menezes attack policy for being non-approved
� �60 million has been spent by police on keeping London safe
Key quote
'We reviewed it [the policy] just after 22 July [when Mr de Menezes was shot]. We made a small number of administrative changes but the essential thrust of the tactics remains the same' - SIR IAN BLAIR "
Gerri Peev
"Key points
� Sir Ian Blair stands by shoot-to-kill policy amid criticism
� Relatives of Menezes attack policy for being non-approved
� �60 million has been spent by police on keeping London safe
Key quote
'We reviewed it [the policy] just after 22 July [when Mr de Menezes was shot]. We made a small number of administrative changes but the essential thrust of the tactics remains the same' - SIR IAN BLAIR "
[Australia] DIMIA 'gave refugees fake IDs' / The Australian, 13 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4epfe
Sharon Mathieson
"THE Federal Government was acting like a people smuggler, supplying asylum seekers with false identities so it could deport them, Labor immigration spokesman Tony Burke said."
Sharon Mathieson
"THE Federal Government was acting like a people smuggler, supplying asylum seekers with false identities so it could deport them, Labor immigration spokesman Tony Burke said."
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Variable justice / The Guardian, 13 Sep 2005
http://society.guardian.co.uk/lifeoutside/story/0,16008,1568953,00.htmlErwin James
"A fairer system would be one where an affected family could make a statement to the judge before the trial begins and in the absence of the jury, in the same way that legal arguments take place. In the meantime, the minister has made no mention of whether judges will be required to state what difference, if any, a victim impact statement has made on the severity of a sentence. A system of open justice requires that they should."
"A fairer system would be one where an affected family could make a statement to the judge before the trial begins and in the absence of the jury, in the same way that legal arguments take place. In the meantime, the minister has made no mention of whether judges will be required to state what difference, if any, a victim impact statement has made on the severity of a sentence. A system of open justice requires that they should."
The police can't be exempted from disciplines we all face / The Guardian, 10 Sep 2005
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/homeaffairs/comment/0,11026,1566941,00.html
"Sir Ian Blair, commissioner of the Met, declared this week that the police must be given more resources to meet their new responsibilities for countering terrorism. 'My service will be saying to government that this really does change the way we are going to have to work,' he told local government leaders. England and Wales have become 'a single crime scene'."
Response
Our police are committed to modernising / The Guardian, 13 Sep 2005
http://society.guardian.co.uk/crimeandpunishment/story/0,8150,1568477,00.html
Accountability is a top priority, says Len Duvall of the Metropolitan Police Authority
I doubt that Sir Ian Blair, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, would recognise for a second Max Hastings' version of a world where the police are free from all accountability and unfettered by the need to explain themselves to government or the public (The police can't be exempted from disciplines we all face, September 10). Hastings' assertion that there has been no change in structures, management or governance regimes is simply not borne out by the facts.
"Sir Ian Blair, commissioner of the Met, declared this week that the police must be given more resources to meet their new responsibilities for countering terrorism. 'My service will be saying to government that this really does change the way we are going to have to work,' he told local government leaders. England and Wales have become 'a single crime scene'."
Response
Our police are committed to modernising / The Guardian, 13 Sep 2005
Accountability is a top priority, says Len Duvall of the Metropolitan Police Authority
I doubt that Sir Ian Blair, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, would recognise for a second Max Hastings' version of a world where the police are free from all accountability and unfettered by the need to explain themselves to government or the public (The police can't be exempted from disciplines we all face, September 10). Hastings' assertion that there has been no change in structures, management or governance regimes is simply not borne out by the facts.
24-hour violence thanks to new drink laws / Daily Mail, 12 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4epas
Stephen Wright
"In a 30-page internal report, the Metropolitan Police's Clubs and Vice Unit says that the new licensing laws will result in a massive drain on police resources. It calls for the force's riot squad to be put on 24-hour standby to cope with the surge in offences. It also warns that the number of police on the streets will fall sharply as officers spend more time in police stations processing drunks being held for public order offences and assaults. "
Stephen Wright
"In a 30-page internal report, the Metropolitan Police's Clubs and Vice Unit says that the new licensing laws will result in a massive drain on police resources. It calls for the force's riot squad to be put on 24-hour standby to cope with the surge in offences. It also warns that the number of police on the streets will fall sharply as officers spend more time in police stations processing drunks being held for public order offences and assaults. "
[USA] Networks secure subways, transit systems / Physorg, 12 Sep 2005
http://www.physorg.com/news6401.html
"The system is said to be an even more advanced version of what the London police used during their investigation of bombers there this past summer. More than 1,000 closed-circuit cameras, and 3,000 motion sensors will be installed in the New York City subway system, enabling authorities to discern between moving, and static subjects. Command and control software will automatically prioritize alerts, and forward the messages to police, Lockheed said. "
"The system is said to be an even more advanced version of what the London police used during their investigation of bombers there this past summer. More than 1,000 closed-circuit cameras, and 3,000 motion sensors will be installed in the New York City subway system, enabling authorities to discern between moving, and static subjects. Command and control software will automatically prioritize alerts, and forward the messages to police, Lockheed said. "
Police Taser trial voted a huge success / icNorthWales, 12 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4epar
Gareth Hughes
"A LEADING North Wales cop last night claimed high-voltage 'stun guns' made the region a safer place.
Assistant chief constable Ian Shannon said the force's experiences over the past two years proved there was no reason to fear police may start using the 50,000-volt Tasers less discriminately.
North Wales was one of five forces to test the guns in 2003. The experiment proved so successful all forces now plan to introduce them. "
Gareth Hughes
"A LEADING North Wales cop last night claimed high-voltage 'stun guns' made the region a safer place.
Assistant chief constable Ian Shannon said the force's experiences over the past two years proved there was no reason to fear police may start using the 50,000-volt Tasers less discriminately.
North Wales was one of five forces to test the guns in 2003. The experiment proved so successful all forces now plan to introduce them. "
Mistaken identity / The Guardian, 5 Sep 2005
http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1562696,00.html
"In the weeks following July 7 it was widely reported that hate crimes against Asians had increased dramatically. They were not just attacks on Muslim Asians, of course: they were attacks on Asians of all faiths. The fact is that your average hate-crime perpetrator isn't going to stop and ask what religion you are before attacking you - or even care, for that matter, about such distinctions. But this point seems to have been lost on the media. There's been a huge focus on the impact on Britain's Muslim community, but the plight of Britain's 560,000 Hindus and 340,000 Sikhs has been largely ignored."
"In the weeks following July 7 it was widely reported that hate crimes against Asians had increased dramatically. They were not just attacks on Muslim Asians, of course: they were attacks on Asians of all faiths. The fact is that your average hate-crime perpetrator isn't going to stop and ask what religion you are before attacking you - or even care, for that matter, about such distinctions. But this point seems to have been lost on the media. There's been a huge focus on the impact on Britain's Muslim community, but the plight of Britain's 560,000 Hindus and 340,000 Sikhs has been largely ignored."
Dr. Muhammad Al-Houni: The Arabs Must Choose Between Western Civilization and the Legacy of the Middle Ages / MEMRI, 13 Sep 2005
http://memri.org/bin/latestnews.cgi?ID=IA24005
A. Dankowitz
"Al-Houni begins his treatise by explaining that he intends to present a different viewpoint from the nationalist, conspiracy-based viewpoint currently prevalent in the Arab world, which maintains that nothing has changed in the world since the end of the Cold War or since 9/11. Al-Houni, who believes that American strategy has changed completely, seeks to present this change to the Arab world, which, he claims, suffers from a number of fundamental flaws, to which he points in his introduction. "
A. Dankowitz
"Al-Houni begins his treatise by explaining that he intends to present a different viewpoint from the nationalist, conspiracy-based viewpoint currently prevalent in the Arab world, which maintains that nothing has changed in the world since the end of the Cold War or since 9/11. Al-Houni, who believes that American strategy has changed completely, seeks to present this change to the Arab world, which, he claims, suffers from a number of fundamental flaws, to which he points in his introduction. "
U.K.: Asian Muslim Ghettos Keep Growing, Hindering Integration / RADIO FREE EUROPE/ RADIO LIBERTY, 12 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4enyy
Jan Jun
"Integration of British Muslims has been increasingly hindered by the rise of ghettos. New research shows the population of these mostly inner city communities has been rising very fast -- by one-third over the past decade. These findings have reopened the debate on how to solve this problem, which also breeds extremism. And solutions are not going to be easily found, according to the experts."
Jan Jun
"Integration of British Muslims has been increasingly hindered by the rise of ghettos. New research shows the population of these mostly inner city communities has been rising very fast -- by one-third over the past decade. These findings have reopened the debate on how to solve this problem, which also breeds extremism. And solutions are not going to be easily found, according to the experts."
A radical vows to fight Britain's expulsion plan |The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Sep 2005
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0913/p01s02-woeu.html?s=hns
Peter Ford
"The British government prepares to join a Europewide crackdown on extremist Islamic circles and deport dozens of individuals deemed "not conducive to the public good."
Peter Ford
"The British government prepares to join a Europewide crackdown on extremist Islamic circles and deport dozens of individuals deemed "not conducive to the public good."
[Canada] McGuinty government rules out use of sharia law / The Globe and Mail, 12 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4enyw
COLIN FREEZE AND KAREN HOWLETT
"Following widespread condemnation of a plan that would formally allow the tenets of sharia to be used in resolving family disputes, the Premier said he'll make the boundaries between church and state clearer by banning faith-based arbitrations."
COLIN FREEZE AND KAREN HOWLETT
"Following widespread condemnation of a plan that would formally allow the tenets of sharia to be used in resolving family disputes, the Premier said he'll make the boundaries between church and state clearer by banning faith-based arbitrations."
[Germany ] The Lot of Young German Offenders / Deutsche Welle, 12 Sep 2005
The Lot of Young German Offenders | Germany | Deutsche Welle |:
"Opinions on exactly how to deal with Germany's delinquent youngsters vary enormously. Some say they should be given the benefit of the doubt on the grounds that they cannot be held fully responsible for their own actions until they come of age. Others refute such claims as dangerously na�ve, bellowing that acts of such evil ill-will should be paid for through the iron bars of a correction center. "
"Opinions on exactly how to deal with Germany's delinquent youngsters vary enormously. Some say they should be given the benefit of the doubt on the grounds that they cannot be held fully responsible for their own actions until they come of age. Others refute such claims as dangerously na�ve, bellowing that acts of such evil ill-will should be paid for through the iron bars of a correction center. "
Terror threat hasn't united Europe Miami Herald, 11 Sep 2005=
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/front/12612131.htm
Joji Sakurai
"If Europeans were separated from 9/11 by the Atlantic Ocean, Madrid (3/11), Amsterdam (1 1/2) and London (7/7) have awakened them to the reality of 21st century terrorism. The question most people are asking is not ''will there be another one?'' -- but ``who's next?''
Yet the London attacks do not appear to have pushed Europeans closer to the United States or its government's view of the world. Many are, if anything, inclined to deride the Bush administration's attitude as simplistic and belligerent, and to argue that the U.S.-led war in Iraq has provoked the Muslim world against the West.
And among themselves, Europeans are divided over how to proceed."
Joji Sakurai
"If Europeans were separated from 9/11 by the Atlantic Ocean, Madrid (3/11), Amsterdam (1 1/2) and London (7/7) have awakened them to the reality of 21st century terrorism. The question most people are asking is not ''will there be another one?'' -- but ``who's next?''
Yet the London attacks do not appear to have pushed Europeans closer to the United States or its government's view of the world. Many are, if anything, inclined to deride the Bush administration's attitude as simplistic and belligerent, and to argue that the U.S.-led war in Iraq has provoked the Muslim world against the West.
And among themselves, Europeans are divided over how to proceed."
A Culture of Caring / Connect for Kids, 12 Sep 2005
http://www.connectforkids.org/node/3381?tn=hp/s2
Ayelish McGarvey, "A Culture of Caring", The American Prospect, September 2005
"At its core, the Missouri approach operates on the premise that internalized behavior changes can occur only once a young person has confronted the often painful dysfunction in his or her past that led him or her to crime. To do that, teens must feel safe and protected within a structured environment that reinforces the importance of open communication."
Ayelish McGarvey, "A Culture of Caring", The American Prospect, September 2005
"At its core, the Missouri approach operates on the premise that internalized behavior changes can occur only once a young person has confronted the often painful dysfunction in his or her past that led him or her to crime. To do that, teens must feel safe and protected within a structured environment that reinforces the importance of open communication."
Biometric passport scheme hit by fingerprint snag / Expatica Netherlands, 12 Sep 2005
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=1&story_id=23596
"A study commissioned by the Home Affairs ministry in The Hague of trials in six municipalities has cast doubt on the feasibility of the biometric passports. The study found personal characteristics and technical shortcomings leave open the possibility that fingerprint details cannot be recorded in the passports for children under the age of six and people older than 60. "
"A study commissioned by the Home Affairs ministry in The Hague of trials in six municipalities has cast doubt on the feasibility of the biometric passports. The study found personal characteristics and technical shortcomings leave open the possibility that fingerprint details cannot be recorded in the passports for children under the age of six and people older than 60. "
Report says UK search powers aimed at blacks and Asians / New Zealand Herald, 13 Sep 2005
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10345334
Marie Woolf
"A fresh row over stop and search powers has erupted after it emerged anti-terrorist police have received orders singling out blacks and Asians. Civil liberties campaigners and black groups have reacted furiously over official orders to the British Transport Police which says terrorist suspects are of 'Asian, West Indian and East African origin.' They have urged the Commission for Racial Equality to investigate. "
Marie Woolf
"A fresh row over stop and search powers has erupted after it emerged anti-terrorist police have received orders singling out blacks and Asians. Civil liberties campaigners and black groups have reacted furiously over official orders to the British Transport Police which says terrorist suspects are of 'Asian, West Indian and East African origin.' They have urged the Commission for Racial Equality to investigate. "
European Parliament’s new website
http://www.europarl.eu.int/news/public/default_en.htm
You can navigate it in the 20 official EU languages and consult content specially written for citizens. We hope that this simple and innovative site will become a reference for the 457 million citizens of Europe.
You can navigate it in the 20 official EU languages and consult content specially written for citizens. We hope that this simple and innovative site will become a reference for the 457 million citizens of Europe.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Experiments on Animals: Should Opponents Get Their Way? / YouGov, 25 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4enrg
John Humphrys
"Five hundred eminent doctors and scientists have published a declaration claiming that animal testing is vital for medical research. The day before their statement was made the owners of a business that breeds guinea pigs announced they were shutting up shop. They'd been worn down by campaigners opposed to animal testing."
John Humphrys
"Five hundred eminent doctors and scientists have published a declaration claiming that animal testing is vital for medical research. The day before their statement was made the owners of a business that breeds guinea pigs announced they were shutting up shop. They'd been worn down by campaigners opposed to animal testing."
Displaced, uprooted and refugee children: Back from the margins / World Vision, 2004
PDF - http://digbig.com/4enrb
"This report from World Vision highlights the particular threats facing uprooted children, including separation from family; trafficking or smuggling; military recruitment; violence, sexual abuse and exploitative labour. Despite the 1951 Refugee Convention, and its 1967 Protocol, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and provisions such as the UN Guidelines for Separated Children, many of these children remain at risk. "
"This report from World Vision highlights the particular threats facing uprooted children, including separation from family; trafficking or smuggling; military recruitment; violence, sexual abuse and exploitative labour. Despite the 1951 Refugee Convention, and its 1967 Protocol, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and provisions such as the UN Guidelines for Separated Children, many of these children remain at risk. "
Terror fears among Britons have increased '17-fold' since 9/11 attacks, survey finds / Scotsman, 12 Sep 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=758&id=1924112005
"FEAR of terrorism among the British public has increased 17-fold in the four years since the 11 September attacks, according to a survey published today.
The Mori poll, commissioned by international development charity VSO, found 35 per cent of respondents viewed terrorism as the most important problem facing the world today.
In a similar survey carried out in 2001, just 2 per cent put terrorism at the top of the list."
"FEAR of terrorism among the British public has increased 17-fold in the four years since the 11 September attacks, according to a survey published today.
The Mori poll, commissioned by international development charity VSO, found 35 per cent of respondents viewed terrorism as the most important problem facing the world today.
In a similar survey carried out in 2001, just 2 per cent put terrorism at the top of the list."
Australia's terror paranoia is unfounded /- On Line Opinion, 12 Sep 2005
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=175
Christopher Michaelsen
"Sensationalist media coverage of the London bombings and complementary political rhetoric in Canberra are perhaps to blame for the wave of terror paranoia currently sweeping the nation. According to the latest AC Nielsen poll published in the Sydney Morning Herald, 70 per cent of Australians appear to believe that terrorists will strike here within the next two years.
Albeit understandable, these fears are largely unfounded. It is beyond question that an attack cannot be ruled out completely. But the likelihood of a large-scale incident occurring on Australian soil is still rather low.
First, Australia represents a poor strategic choice for both al-Qaida and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). It is unlikely that an attack in Australia is high up on either group�s political agenda. Besides, Australia lacks significant symbolic targets on the ground."
Christopher Michaelsen
"Sensationalist media coverage of the London bombings and complementary political rhetoric in Canberra are perhaps to blame for the wave of terror paranoia currently sweeping the nation. According to the latest AC Nielsen poll published in the Sydney Morning Herald, 70 per cent of Australians appear to believe that terrorists will strike here within the next two years.
Albeit understandable, these fears are largely unfounded. It is beyond question that an attack cannot be ruled out completely. But the likelihood of a large-scale incident occurring on Australian soil is still rather low.
First, Australia represents a poor strategic choice for both al-Qaida and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). It is unlikely that an attack in Australia is high up on either group�s political agenda. Besides, Australia lacks significant symbolic targets on the ground."
Politics on the move in Muslim countries. - On Line Opinion / 9 Sep 2005
Nayeefa Chowdhury argues the West should recognise the complex emerging political movements in Muslim countries. - On Line Opinion - 9/9/2005:
Nayeefa Chowdhury
"Argues the West should recognise the complex emerging political movements in Muslim countries. It is well within the capacity of the Western powers to play a dominant role in halting the contemporary acceleration of the fringe Muslim militant groups that employ violent measures. This depends on the Western powers' willingness to differentiate between a genuine and pseudo-democratic political order prevailing in certain Muslim-majority nation-states, as well as between populist and extremist Islamist movements present there. This is coupled with the Western powers' determination to co-operate with the authentic populist movements in bringing about a more open and participatory ambience in the nation�s polity."
Nayeefa Chowdhury
"Argues the West should recognise the complex emerging political movements in Muslim countries. It is well within the capacity of the Western powers to play a dominant role in halting the contemporary acceleration of the fringe Muslim militant groups that employ violent measures. This depends on the Western powers' willingness to differentiate between a genuine and pseudo-democratic political order prevailing in certain Muslim-majority nation-states, as well as between populist and extremist Islamist movements present there. This is coupled with the Western powers' determination to co-operate with the authentic populist movements in bringing about a more open and participatory ambience in the nation�s polity."
Dispute in Islamist Circles over the Legitimacy of Attacking Muslims, Shiites, and Non-combatant Non-Muslims in Jihad Operations in Iraq:
Al-Maqdisi vs. His Disciple Al-Zarqawi
/ MEMRI, 11 Sep 2005
http://memri.org/bin/latestnews.cgi?ID=IA23905
Y.Yehoshua
"In the past two years a religious dispute has developed between Abu Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi, leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, and his spiritual mentor Abu Muhammad Al-Maqdisi.(1) It has focused on the question of the legitimacy of certain Jihad operations in Iraq, and in particular on the question of the religious legitimacy of attacking Muslims, of attacking Shiites, and of attacking non-combatant non-Muslims.
The dispute began with Al-Maqdisi criticizing certain methods of Jihad in Iraq. In a July 2004 epistle to the Jihad fighters in Iraq, issued from his Jordanian prison cell, Al-Maqdisi criticized the harm being done to Muslim civilians in Iraq, which, he asserted, was not justified by Shari'a law."
/ MEMRI, 11 Sep 2005
http://memri.org/bin/latestnews.cgi?ID=IA23905
Y.Yehoshua
"In the past two years a religious dispute has developed between Abu Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi, leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, and his spiritual mentor Abu Muhammad Al-Maqdisi.(1) It has focused on the question of the legitimacy of certain Jihad operations in Iraq, and in particular on the question of the religious legitimacy of attacking Muslims, of attacking Shiites, and of attacking non-combatant non-Muslims.
The dispute began with Al-Maqdisi criticizing certain methods of Jihad in Iraq. In a July 2004 epistle to the Jihad fighters in Iraq, issued from his Jordanian prison cell, Al-Maqdisi criticized the harm being done to Muslim civilians in Iraq, which, he asserted, was not justified by Shari'a law."
Drunks offered hangover hotels / Sunday Times, 11 Sep 2005
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2090-1775295,00.html
"The Scottish executive is considering plans to open a chain of “hangover hospitals” for those who fail to make it home in the wee small hours. The centres, also known as 'drunk tanks' and 'sobering-up stations' have proved successful in America, Canada, Russia and Australia. Now members of the group believe they could be effective in easing pressure on busy Scottish casualty wards and overcrowded police cells. "
"The Scottish executive is considering plans to open a chain of “hangover hospitals” for those who fail to make it home in the wee small hours. The centres, also known as 'drunk tanks' and 'sobering-up stations' have proved successful in America, Canada, Russia and Australia. Now members of the group believe they could be effective in easing pressure on busy Scottish casualty wards and overcrowded police cells. "
[Australia] Muslim community expresses concern over anti-terrorism laws. / ABC News, 11 Sep 2005
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200509/s1457863.htm
"Members of Sydney's Muslim community have used a public meeting to express concerns over the Federal Government's proposed anti-terrorism laws.
Prime Minister John Howard has used the fourth anniversary of the September 11 terrorism attacks to bolster his case for the new laws.
The anti-terrorism summit was held at Sydney University and included a minute's silence to remember victims of terrorism.
Speakers discussed issues such as multiculturalism and civil liberties.
All agreed that terrorists who claim to act in the name of Islam are not true Muslims. "
"Members of Sydney's Muslim community have used a public meeting to express concerns over the Federal Government's proposed anti-terrorism laws.
Prime Minister John Howard has used the fourth anniversary of the September 11 terrorism attacks to bolster his case for the new laws.
The anti-terrorism summit was held at Sydney University and included a minute's silence to remember victims of terrorism.
Speakers discussed issues such as multiculturalism and civil liberties.
All agreed that terrorists who claim to act in the name of Islam are not true Muslims. "
[Australia] New terror laws appropriate, says Ruddock / The Age, 11 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4enqk
"Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has again defended the government's decision to follow in the footsteps of London and Washington with a major revamp of counter-terrorism laws.
With today marking the fourth anniversary of the bombings which destroyed the World Trade Centre in New York, Mr Ruddock said Australia remained a terrorist target and the government should vary its response accordingly.
'Clearly we are on the horizon and we remain on the horizon,' Mr Ruddock told ABC television.
'We look at what has happened abroad and we look at where they might want to attack interests, western interests, as they see it.
'Our major cities are obviously, I think, targets which have not been reached before but where you could well contemplate that (they) might.
'And how you deal with those issues, of course, are the very basis for the additional measures that we've announced in this week.'"
"Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has again defended the government's decision to follow in the footsteps of London and Washington with a major revamp of counter-terrorism laws.
With today marking the fourth anniversary of the bombings which destroyed the World Trade Centre in New York, Mr Ruddock said Australia remained a terrorist target and the government should vary its response accordingly.
'Clearly we are on the horizon and we remain on the horizon,' Mr Ruddock told ABC television.
'We look at what has happened abroad and we look at where they might want to attack interests, western interests, as they see it.
'Our major cities are obviously, I think, targets which have not been reached before but where you could well contemplate that (they) might.
'And how you deal with those issues, of course, are the very basis for the additional measures that we've announced in this week.'"
Police 'can't cope' as Vietnamese flood drugs trade / The Observer, 11 Sep 2005
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,1567279,00.html
"Police in swaths of London are being 'overwhelmed' by Vietnamese gangs flooding the streets with high-strength, home-grown cannabis.
The gangs, who have also been linked to murders, people-smuggling and kidnapping, are making millions of pounds by renting houses from unsuspecting landlords and converting them into sophisticated cannabis farms."
"Police in swaths of London are being 'overwhelmed' by Vietnamese gangs flooding the streets with high-strength, home-grown cannabis.
The gangs, who have also been linked to murders, people-smuggling and kidnapping, are making millions of pounds by renting houses from unsuspecting landlords and converting them into sophisticated cannabis farms."
'Al Qaeda' tape threatens LA and Melbourne / Sydney Morning Herals, 12 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4enqh
"A videotape purportedly from a US-born member of al-Qaeda has threatened Los Angeles and Melbourne on the fourth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
ABC News televised the video today, and said it had received it in Pakistan yesterday.
It reported that the masked speaker appears to be Adam Gadahn, from southern California, who threatens attacks on the two cities, 'Allah willing', and warns that the attackers will show no compassion.
'Yesterday, London and Madrid. Tomorrow, Los Angeles and Melbourne,' he said.
'We love peace, but peace on our terms' the speaker said"
"A videotape purportedly from a US-born member of al-Qaeda has threatened Los Angeles and Melbourne on the fourth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
ABC News televised the video today, and said it had received it in Pakistan yesterday.
It reported that the masked speaker appears to be Adam Gadahn, from southern California, who threatens attacks on the two cities, 'Allah willing', and warns that the attackers will show no compassion.
'Yesterday, London and Madrid. Tomorrow, Los Angeles and Melbourne,' he said.
'We love peace, but peace on our terms' the speaker said"
Police Merger Plans Opposed / Lakeland Radio, 12 Sep 2005
http://www.lakelandradio.co.uk/cms/content/view/4579/59
"Opposition is growing to reforms that could see Cumbria Police merge with Lancashire Police. A report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary is expected to recommend that the current 43 forces be cut to 30. This could spell the end of smaller forces such Cumbria, which has around 2000 officers, and support staff. The South Lakes operations manager for Cumbria Police, Kevin McGilloway questioned whether Cumbria Constabulary would actually come under the small category, as it covers the second’s largest geographical area for a police force in Britain." [Snippet]
"Opposition is growing to reforms that could see Cumbria Police merge with Lancashire Police. A report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary is expected to recommend that the current 43 forces be cut to 30. This could spell the end of smaller forces such Cumbria, which has around 2000 officers, and support staff. The South Lakes operations manager for Cumbria Police, Kevin McGilloway questioned whether Cumbria Constabulary would actually come under the small category, as it covers the second’s largest geographical area for a police force in Britain." [Snippet]
[Scotland] Police hit by merger 'bombshell' from justice minister / Sunday Times, 11 Sep 2005
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2090-1775078,00.html
"SCOTLAND'S police forces face being merged unless they drastically reduce their running costs, one of the country's most senior officers has warned. John Vine, chief constable of Tayside police, said all eight forces had been told by Cathy Jamieson, the justice minister, that they must make substantial savings or face radical restructuring. "
"SCOTLAND'S police forces face being merged unless they drastically reduce their running costs, one of the country's most senior officers has warned. John Vine, chief constable of Tayside police, said all eight forces had been told by Cathy Jamieson, the justice minister, that they must make substantial savings or face radical restructuring. "
'Charm tour' to promote ID cards / BBC, 11 Sep 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4235086.stm
"ID cards could allow travel anywhere within the EU, without passports. Ministers are being sent on a 'charm offensive' tour to educate the public about the technology behind planned ID cards, the Home Office has said. Home Office minister Andy Burnham opens the seven-date 'biometric roadshow' tour at Manchester airport. "
"ID cards could allow travel anywhere within the EU, without passports. Ministers are being sent on a 'charm offensive' tour to educate the public about the technology behind planned ID cards, the Home Office has said. Home Office minister Andy Burnham opens the seven-date 'biometric roadshow' tour at Manchester airport. "
Sunday, September 11, 2005
ID revolution - prepare to meet the new you / New Scientist, No. 3516, 10 Sep 2005
Celeste Biever
"Soon biometrics will transform what it takes to prove who you are.
In a two-part special report starting this week, New Scientist investigates this trend and how it will change society. Will your digital identity become the pass key to a future without fraud, providing instant access to services, and improved security? Or will it lead to an Orwellian nightmare of permanent surveillance, curtailed civil liberties and an underclass of identity have-nots? "
"Soon biometrics will transform what it takes to prove who you are.
In a two-part special report starting this week, New Scientist investigates this trend and how it will change society. Will your digital identity become the pass key to a future without fraud, providing instant access to services, and improved security? Or will it lead to an Orwellian nightmare of permanent surveillance, curtailed civil liberties and an underclass of identity have-nots? "
Religion, Immigrants and Integration / AMID, 2005
PDF - http://www.amid.dk/pub/papers/AMID_43-2005_Martikainen.pdf
Tuomas Martikainen
"One of the main areas of interest has been the ways in which the cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds of immigrants affect
processes of integration in particular local and national societies. Much of the interest, especially in Europe, has been directed to Muslim communities but increasing efforts are taking place with regard to other religious traditions as well."
Tuomas Martikainen
"One of the main areas of interest has been the ways in which the cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds of immigrants affect
processes of integration in particular local and national societies. Much of the interest, especially in Europe, has been directed to Muslim communities but increasing efforts are taking place with regard to other religious traditions as well."
No More Victims: Ending the Cycle of Crime / saWorship, Sep 2005
http://www.saworship.com/article-page.php?ID=1951&Page=family.php
Linda Owen
"Every day these children of incarcerated parents meet with Gambrell for 50 minutes (during a regular class period), where they experience specialized emotional support. The extraordinary program, created by Gambrell, the founder of No More Victims, Inc., allows teens to openly discuss their feelings of anger, victimization, violence, suicide, trauma, and abuse. The purpose is to stop the intergenerational cycle of crime and violence by counseling and caring for these neglected children who, for the most part have never felt loved."
Linda Owen
"Every day these children of incarcerated parents meet with Gambrell for 50 minutes (during a regular class period), where they experience specialized emotional support. The extraordinary program, created by Gambrell, the founder of No More Victims, Inc., allows teens to openly discuss their feelings of anger, victimization, violence, suicide, trauma, and abuse. The purpose is to stop the intergenerational cycle of crime and violence by counseling and caring for these neglected children who, for the most part have never felt loved."
"THE INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST THREAT AND THE DILEMMAS IN COUNTERING IT /
SPEECH BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE SECURITY SERVICE, DAME ELIZA MANNINGHAM-BULLER, AT THE RIDDERZAAL, BINNENHOF, THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS, 1 SEPTEMBER 2005
http://www.mi5.gov.uk/output/Page387.html
http://www.mi5.gov.uk/output/Page387.html
UK spy chief warns of civil liberties sacrifice / Reuters AlertNet, 10 Sep 2005
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L10341595.htm
"The head of Britain's security services has warned that civil liberties across the world may have to be sacrificed to prevent future terrorist attacks. Eliza Manningham-Buller, MI5 director-general, also said the the four suicide bomb attacks on London's transport system on July 7 which killed 52 people had been a shock and the security services were disappointed they had not thwarted them. 'The world has changed and there needs to be a debate on whether some erosion of what we all value may be necessary to improve the chances of our citizens not being blown apart as they go about their daily lives,' she said."
"The head of Britain's security services has warned that civil liberties across the world may have to be sacrificed to prevent future terrorist attacks. Eliza Manningham-Buller, MI5 director-general, also said the the four suicide bomb attacks on London's transport system on July 7 which killed 52 people had been a shock and the security services were disappointed they had not thwarted them. 'The world has changed and there needs to be a debate on whether some erosion of what we all value may be necessary to improve the chances of our citizens not being blown apart as they go about their daily lives,' she said."
Airgun crime plans under attack / BBC, 10 Sep 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4233268.stm
"Proposals to restrict airgun sales to registered firearms dealers will not reduce airgun crime, according to the UK's largest shooting organisation.
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) said it would be impossible to police private sales. "
"Proposals to restrict airgun sales to registered firearms dealers will not reduce airgun crime, according to the UK's largest shooting organisation.
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) said it would be impossible to police private sales. "
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Was an increase in cocaine use among injecting drug users in New South Wales, Australia, accompanied by an increase in violent crime? / BioMed Central
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/5/40
Louisa Degenhardt , Carolyn Day, Wayne Hall, Elizabeth Conroy and Stuart Gilmour
"A sharp reduction in heroin supply in Australia in 2001 was followed by a large but transient increase in cocaine use among injecting drug users (IDU) in Sydney. This paper assesses whether the increase in cocaine use among IDU was accompanied by increased rates of violent crime as occurred in the United States in the 1980s. Specifically, the paper aims to examine the impact of increased cocaine use among Sydney IDU upon police incidents of robbery with a weapon, assault and homicide."
Louisa Degenhardt , Carolyn Day, Wayne Hall, Elizabeth Conroy and Stuart Gilmour
"A sharp reduction in heroin supply in Australia in 2001 was followed by a large but transient increase in cocaine use among injecting drug users (IDU) in Sydney. This paper assesses whether the increase in cocaine use among IDU was accompanied by increased rates of violent crime as occurred in the United States in the 1980s. Specifically, the paper aims to examine the impact of increased cocaine use among Sydney IDU upon police incidents of robbery with a weapon, assault and homicide."
British drinking: a suitable case for treatment? / BMJ, 10 Sep 2005
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/331/7516/527?ehom
-- Hall 331 (7516): 527 --
"Two papers in this issue show that two relatively brief psychosocial interventions - motivational enhancement treatment and social network therapy - are effective and cost effective in treating alcohol dependence, when delivered under routine clinical conditions in the NHS.3 4 The UK government could realise its stated aim of increasing access to effective treatments for alcohol dependence by investing in these interventions."
-- Hall 331 (7516): 527 --
"Two papers in this issue show that two relatively brief psychosocial interventions - motivational enhancement treatment and social network therapy - are effective and cost effective in treating alcohol dependence, when delivered under routine clinical conditions in the NHS.3 4 The UK government could realise its stated aim of increasing access to effective treatments for alcohol dependence by investing in these interventions."
U.S. Can Confine Citizens Without Charges, Court Rules / Washington Post, 10 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4enjh
Jenny Maarkon
"A federal appeals court yesterday backed the president's power to indefinitely detain a U.S. citizen captured on U.S. soil without any criminal charges, holding that such authority is vital during wartime to protect the nation from terrorist attacks."
Jenny Maarkon
"A federal appeals court yesterday backed the president's power to indefinitely detain a U.S. citizen captured on U.S. soil without any criminal charges, holding that such authority is vital during wartime to protect the nation from terrorist attacks."
U.S. Charges Dutch Citizen With Terrorism in Iraq / Washington Post, 10 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4enjg
"A Dutch citizen was indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington on charges of conspiring to kill Americans in Iraq, the Justice Department said yesterday.
Iraqi-born Wasem Delaema, 32, is accused of plotting attacks against U.S. troops near Fallujah in October 2003. He is the first person charged in this country with terrorist activities in Iraq.
Delaema was arrested in May during a raid on his home in Amersfoort in the Netherlands. A Dutch court will decide whether to extradite al Delaema to the United States based on the six-count indictment. He faces life in prison if convicted of the charges. Delaema's Dutch attorney, Victor Koppe, has denied his client was involved with any attacks." [Snippet]
"A Dutch citizen was indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington on charges of conspiring to kill Americans in Iraq, the Justice Department said yesterday.
Iraqi-born Wasem Delaema, 32, is accused of plotting attacks against U.S. troops near Fallujah in October 2003. He is the first person charged in this country with terrorist activities in Iraq.
Delaema was arrested in May during a raid on his home in Amersfoort in the Netherlands. A Dutch court will decide whether to extradite al Delaema to the United States based on the six-count indictment. He faces life in prison if convicted of the charges. Delaema's Dutch attorney, Victor Koppe, has denied his client was involved with any attacks." [Snippet]
The Crime of Criminalizing Children / Chicago Defender, 9 Sep 2005
http://www.chicagodefender.com/page/commentary.cfm?ArticleID=2221
Marian W. Edelman
"Children and youths are being criminalized at younger and younger ages and often for behavior that used to be handled in the principal's office."
Marian W. Edelman
"Children and youths are being criminalized at younger and younger ages and often for behavior that used to be handled in the principal's office."
Web Proves Its Capacity to Help in Time of Need / Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep 2005
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-internet10sep10,0,5047434.story?track=tothtml
Chris Gaither and Matea Gold,
"Thirty years after the Internet was created as a communications system of last resort, the network fulfilled its mission during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina - but in ways more sweeping than its founders could have imagined. It reunited families and connected them with shelter. It turned amateur photographers into chroniclers of history and ordinary people into pundits. It allowed television stations to keep broadcasting and newspapers to keep publishing. It relayed heartbreaking tales of loss and intimate moments of triumph."
Chris Gaither and Matea Gold,
"Thirty years after the Internet was created as a communications system of last resort, the network fulfilled its mission during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina - but in ways more sweeping than its founders could have imagined. It reunited families and connected them with shelter. It turned amateur photographers into chroniclers of history and ordinary people into pundits. It allowed television stations to keep broadcasting and newspapers to keep publishing. It relayed heartbreaking tales of loss and intimate moments of triumph."
Special Branch to close in merger / BBC, 9 Sep 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4227476.stm
"Elite police team Special Branch is likely to lose its historic badge after 120 years in a shake-up of Scotland Yard's terrorism units.
The squad is to merge with the Met Police's Anti-Terrorist Branch to create a new Counter Terrorism Command. The move is part of the Yard's latest plans designed to 'move people from support services to the front line'. In addition, more officers will patrol the streets on their own in an effort to make them more approachable. The closure of Special Branch is part of an overhaul of specialist operations which are being divided into three directorates. "
"Elite police team Special Branch is likely to lose its historic badge after 120 years in a shake-up of Scotland Yard's terrorism units.
The squad is to merge with the Met Police's Anti-Terrorist Branch to create a new Counter Terrorism Command. The move is part of the Yard's latest plans designed to 'move people from support services to the front line'. In addition, more officers will patrol the streets on their own in an effort to make them more approachable. The closure of Special Branch is part of an overhaul of specialist operations which are being divided into three directorates. "
Fighting terrorism the high-tech way / Newsday, 9 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4enje
DEBORAH BARFIELD BERRY
"The explosives detection trace portal (ETP) is one of several new technologies adopted by Department of Homeland Security officials in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Federal officials say new technology, from the ETPs to machines that detect radiation on cargo and devices that use fingerprints or iris scans to identify visitors at the borders, are key tools in the war against terrorism. Banking on the effectiveness of the new technology, the federal government proposes to spend $1.3 billion next year for research and development.
But while some security experts and passengers praise the agency's use of new technology, they raise concerns about the shortcomings and the lack of resources earmarked for new advances. Experts complain that unless more of the technology goes beyond pilot stages, they are unlikey to make America safer."
DEBORAH BARFIELD BERRY
"The explosives detection trace portal (ETP) is one of several new technologies adopted by Department of Homeland Security officials in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Federal officials say new technology, from the ETPs to machines that detect radiation on cargo and devices that use fingerprints or iris scans to identify visitors at the borders, are key tools in the war against terrorism. Banking on the effectiveness of the new technology, the federal government proposes to spend $1.3 billion next year for research and development.
But while some security experts and passengers praise the agency's use of new technology, they raise concerns about the shortcomings and the lack of resources earmarked for new advances. Experts complain that unless more of the technology goes beyond pilot stages, they are unlikey to make America safer."
[USA] Education in English Please! / Free Congress Foundation, 9 Sep 2005
http://www.freecongress.org/commentaries/2005/050909.asp
Stephen M. Lilienthal
"The Carnegie Corporation in Autumn 2002 surveyed 1,002 foreign-born adults. Over 66% of the foreign-born adults agreed that immigrants to the United States should be required to learn English. 73% of the foreign-born adults interviewed said schools should eliminate bilingual education and teach English to immigrants upon arrival in the United States. Over 60% of the adults disapproved of bilingual teaching in the schools: all students should be taught in English."
Stephen M. Lilienthal
"The Carnegie Corporation in Autumn 2002 surveyed 1,002 foreign-born adults. Over 66% of the foreign-born adults agreed that immigrants to the United States should be required to learn English. 73% of the foreign-born adults interviewed said schools should eliminate bilingual education and teach English to immigrants upon arrival in the United States. Over 60% of the adults disapproved of bilingual teaching in the schools: all students should be taught in English."
This influx 'must stop' / BBC, 7 Sep 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4222362.stm
Sir Andrew Green, Chariman, Migration Watch
"This [IRR/BBC Immigration Report] report is full of interesting detail - and empty of serious content. In fact, it completely misses the point. In almost its first sentence it claims that there is 'a growing realisation that immigration is set to continue.' We entirely disagree. We believe that there is a growing realisation that immigration simply cannot continue at the present levels. "
Sir Andrew Green, Chariman, Migration Watch
"This [IRR/BBC Immigration Report] report is full of interesting detail - and empty of serious content. In fact, it completely misses the point. In almost its first sentence it claims that there is 'a growing realisation that immigration is set to continue.' We entirely disagree. We believe that there is a growing realisation that immigration simply cannot continue at the present levels. "
Regional police force 'inevitable' / EDP24, 9 sEP 2005
http://digbig.com/4enjd
force 'inevitable'
Richard Balls
"A combined East Anglian police force serving 2.2 million people in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire began to look a certainty last night. The super-force looked inevitable as police authority chiefs from the three counties jointly wrote to Home Secretary Charles Clarke asking for money to set up a project team to investigate the plan. Sources told the EDP that amalgamation will go ahead and that the blueprint could be used by the Home Office to set the tone for mergers among other forces around the country."
force 'inevitable'
Richard Balls
"A combined East Anglian police force serving 2.2 million people in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire began to look a certainty last night. The super-force looked inevitable as police authority chiefs from the three counties jointly wrote to Home Secretary Charles Clarke asking for money to set up a project team to investigate the plan. Sources told the EDP that amalgamation will go ahead and that the blueprint could be used by the Home Office to set the tone for mergers among other forces around the country."
[Ireland] Govt urged to do more to integrate ethnic minorities / online.ie: news, 9 Sep 2005
http://www.online.ie/news/viewer.adp?article=3274096
"The Conference of Religious in Ireland has called on the Government to do more ensure asylum seekers and migrant workers are properly integrated into Irish society. The organisation said today that many ethnic minorities felt they were not respected by Irish society, which could be just as racist as other European societies. CORI said the Government could tackle the matter by introducing a fair and effective green card system for migrant workers. It also said refugee and asylum issues should be integrated into mainstream immigration policy and asylum-seekers should be allowed to work if their applications have not been processed within six months. " [Snippet]
"The Conference of Religious in Ireland has called on the Government to do more ensure asylum seekers and migrant workers are properly integrated into Irish society. The organisation said today that many ethnic minorities felt they were not respected by Irish society, which could be just as racist as other European societies. CORI said the Government could tackle the matter by introducing a fair and effective green card system for migrant workers. It also said refugee and asylum issues should be integrated into mainstream immigration policy and asylum-seekers should be allowed to work if their applications have not been processed within six months. " [Snippet]
[France] Kick out more foreigners: Sarkozy to local pols / Expatia France, 9 Sep 2005
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=25&story_id=23540
"Nearly 13,000 illegal immigrants have been expelled from France this year but the rhythm must be stepped up if government objectives are to be reached, French interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy said. By the end of August, Sarkozy told a meeting of prefects, state-appointed regional officials, '12,849 foreigners were the object of deportation orders. In eight months 56 percent of our objectives have been reached.'
At the start of the year Sarkozy set a figure of 23,000 planned expulsions. Asking them to 'step up efforts', the minister told the prefects to 'resist pressures from this or that collective who represent only themselves, and to use all the room for manoeuvre authorised by the law." [Snippet]
"Nearly 13,000 illegal immigrants have been expelled from France this year but the rhythm must be stepped up if government objectives are to be reached, French interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy said. By the end of August, Sarkozy told a meeting of prefects, state-appointed regional officials, '12,849 foreigners were the object of deportation orders. In eight months 56 percent of our objectives have been reached.'
At the start of the year Sarkozy set a figure of 23,000 planned expulsions. Asking them to 'step up efforts', the minister told the prefects to 'resist pressures from this or that collective who represent only themselves, and to use all the room for manoeuvre authorised by the law." [Snippet]
France Warns Georgia over Illegal Immigration / Civil Georgia, 9 Sep 2005
http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=10709
"France and its European partners from the G5 (the UK, Spain, France, Germany and Italy) will reduce the number of visas issued to be issued to citizens from Georgia, Mauritania, Pakistan, Egypt and Cameroon if these countries fail to cooperate with the European states over the return of their illegal immigrants. These five countries are described as “non-cooperative” . The G5 “gave them [these five 'non-cooperative' countries] three months, starting from August 1, to change their attitude."
Starting from September 1 an “obligation to make a ‘declaration of return’" will be implemented in "a dozen consulates,” including the Tbilis consulate. This concerns those people who were granted short-stay visas. " [Snippet]
"France and its European partners from the G5 (the UK, Spain, France, Germany and Italy) will reduce the number of visas issued to be issued to citizens from Georgia, Mauritania, Pakistan, Egypt and Cameroon if these countries fail to cooperate with the European states over the return of their illegal immigrants. These five countries are described as “non-cooperative” . The G5 “gave them [these five 'non-cooperative' countries] three months, starting from August 1, to change their attitude."
Starting from September 1 an “obligation to make a ‘declaration of return’" will be implemented in "a dozen consulates,” including the Tbilis consulate. This concerns those people who were granted short-stay visas. " [Snippet]
Reporting office for suspicious refugees / Expatica Belgian, 9 Sep 2005
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=24&story_id=23530
"The Antwerp social security office OCMW has set up a reporting office where social workers can examine the records of suspicious asylum seekers. A specially-appointed public servant will pass the details on to the Immigration Service and Belgian judicial authorities,"
"The Antwerp social security office OCMW has set up a reporting office where social workers can examine the records of suspicious asylum seekers. A specially-appointed public servant will pass the details on to the Immigration Service and Belgian judicial authorities,"
[Australia] Criminals face victims to prevent further crime / Sydney Morning Herald, 10 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4enjb
Johnathan Pearlman
"Criminals will confront their victims and work together to devise punishments under a sentencing program that may reduce the state's soaring jail population. The program allows criminals to volunteer to participate in a conference with the victim, their family, a police officer, their lawyer and a facilitator. The participants discuss the impact of the crime on the victim and the community and then prepare a sentencing plan that could include repaying money, community service, training courses or working for the victim."
Johnathan Pearlman
"Criminals will confront their victims and work together to devise punishments under a sentencing program that may reduce the state's soaring jail population. The program allows criminals to volunteer to participate in a conference with the victim, their family, a police officer, their lawyer and a facilitator. The participants discuss the impact of the crime on the victim and the community and then prepare a sentencing plan that could include repaying money, community service, training courses or working for the victim."
[Philippines] 'E-brides' seek to escape poverty / ABS-CBN Interactive, Sep 2005
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=15784
Ambika Bhushan
"An estimated 50,000 to 100,000 Filipinas have signed up to matchmaking sites, seeking romance and more importantly a ticket out of poverty. It was a ticket that was banned under the country's 1990 Anti-Mail Order Bride Law, but anti-trafficking activists say the Internet has effectively bypassed that law despite a revision in 2003 that sought to ban e-mail order brides."
Ambika Bhushan
"An estimated 50,000 to 100,000 Filipinas have signed up to matchmaking sites, seeking romance and more importantly a ticket out of poverty. It was a ticket that was banned under the country's 1990 Anti-Mail Order Bride Law, but anti-trafficking activists say the Internet has effectively bypassed that law despite a revision in 2003 that sought to ban e-mail order brides."
[USA] Restorative Justice In Texas:. Past, Present & Future / Texas Public Policy foundation, Sep 2005
PDF - http://www.texaspolicy.com/pdf/2005-09-restorativejustice.pdf
Marc Levin
"With the state's prison system approaching capacity and costs increasing, a new report from the Texas Public Policy Foundation explores ways to reduce crime and increase the effectiveness of Texas' system of justice. "
Marc Levin
"With the state's prison system approaching capacity and costs increasing, a new report from the Texas Public Policy Foundation explores ways to reduce crime and increase the effectiveness of Texas' system of justice. "
Eurasylum Portal: immigration control and asylum policy in Europe and internationally - Website
http://www.eurasylum.org/Portal/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=0&tabid=1
"Eurasylum was established in 2001 to provide research, evaluation, training and consulting services dedicated solely to issues of immigration control and asylum policy in Europe and internationally.
� Eurasylum is specialising primarily in the analysis and evaluation of developments affecting policy and legal decisions in the fields of immigration and border control processes, asylum determination procedures, IDPs and migrant integration schemes internationally.
� The company's activities are targeted at national Government agencies, the European Commission and relevant international organisations."
"Eurasylum was established in 2001 to provide research, evaluation, training and consulting services dedicated solely to issues of immigration control and asylum policy in Europe and internationally.
� Eurasylum is specialising primarily in the analysis and evaluation of developments affecting policy and legal decisions in the fields of immigration and border control processes, asylum determination procedures, IDPs and migrant integration schemes internationally.
� The company's activities are targeted at national Government agencies, the European Commission and relevant international organisations."
Switzerland’s asylum and migration / Eurasylum Portal, Sep 2005
http://www.eurasylum.org/Portal/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=2&tabid=19Eduard Gnesa - Director of the Swiss Federal Office for Migration
Restorative Practices Improves Climate and Behavior at UK Youth Homes / Restorative Practices, Sep 2005
http://www.realjustice.org/library/stanfield.html
Laura Mirsky
Restorative practices were introduced to the Stanfield home for
looked-after children, in Hertfordshire, UK, to address violent
behavior, hostile relationships and staff stress. The implementation
has greatly improved the situation at Stanfield and, subsequently, at
all of Hertfordshire's youth residences.
PDF - http://fp.enter.net/restorativepractices/stanfield.pdf
Laura Mirsky
Restorative practices were introduced to the Stanfield home for
looked-after children, in Hertfordshire, UK, to address violent
behavior, hostile relationships and staff stress. The implementation
has greatly improved the situation at Stanfield and, subsequently, at
all of Hertfordshire's youth residences.
PDF - http://fp.enter.net/restorativepractices/stanfield.pdf
Indecent proposals / Spiked, 6 Sep 2005
http://www.spiked-online.com/articles/0000000CAD3E.htm
"Each successive piece of UK legislation that has criminalised the possession and distribution of child pornography - the Protection of Children Act 1978, the Criminal Justice Act 1988, the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, and the Sexual Offences Act 2003 - has broadened the definition of the crime, so that evidence of child abuse is no longer necessary in order for someone to be prosecuted (5). Looking at an indecent image of a child - or even looking at a 'pseudo-photo' (doctored image) - is now a crime in and of itself. As I have argued previously on spiked, such developments represent the real emergence of what George Orwell, in his fictional dystopia 1984, called 'thoughtcrime' (6). The proposal to ban violent pornography simply extends this tendency into yet another ill-defined domain."
"Each successive piece of UK legislation that has criminalised the possession and distribution of child pornography - the Protection of Children Act 1978, the Criminal Justice Act 1988, the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, and the Sexual Offences Act 2003 - has broadened the definition of the crime, so that evidence of child abuse is no longer necessary in order for someone to be prosecuted (5). Looking at an indecent image of a child - or even looking at a 'pseudo-photo' (doctored image) - is now a crime in and of itself. As I have argued previously on spiked, such developments represent the real emergence of what George Orwell, in his fictional dystopia 1984, called 'thoughtcrime' (6). The proposal to ban violent pornography simply extends this tendency into yet another ill-defined domain."
Friday, September 09, 2005
Clarke loses battle over European terror plans / Scotsman, 9 Sep 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1911982005
James Kirkuip
Key points
� Home Secretary thwarted over terror plans
� UK desire for increased surveillance of telecoms rejected
� Civil rights and cost of tracking messages main sources of opposition
Key quote
'We think it's a rather unsophisticated approach to a complex problem. The implications of this total package are very considerable, and it seems to me that we're talking about hundreds of millions of euros on a pan- European basis' - Michael Bartholomew, head of lobbying group"
James Kirkuip
Key points
� Home Secretary thwarted over terror plans
� UK desire for increased surveillance of telecoms rejected
� Civil rights and cost of tracking messages main sources of opposition
Key quote
'We think it's a rather unsophisticated approach to a complex problem. The implications of this total package are very considerable, and it seems to me that we're talking about hundreds of millions of euros on a pan- European basis' - Michael Bartholomew, head of lobbying group"
UK embassies put names on 'warning list' / Scotsman, 9 Sep 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1911992005
John Innes
"BRITISH embassies across the world have drawn up a list of up to 100 radicals who are not welcome in the UK, Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, has confirmed.
Mr Clarke told parliament following the 7 July bombings in London that he would exclude people from the UK for unacceptable behaviour, such as inciting and encouraging terrorism.
British embassies and high commissions were asked to supply the names of nationals of the countries where they are based who might fall into this category.
Between 50 and 100 names were put forward for inclusion on a 'warning index'. If any of them attempts to enter the UK, their application will be passed up to a government minister for a decision. "
John Innes
"BRITISH embassies across the world have drawn up a list of up to 100 radicals who are not welcome in the UK, Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, has confirmed.
Mr Clarke told parliament following the 7 July bombings in London that he would exclude people from the UK for unacceptable behaviour, such as inciting and encouraging terrorism.
British embassies and high commissions were asked to supply the names of nationals of the countries where they are based who might fall into this category.
Between 50 and 100 names were put forward for inclusion on a 'warning index'. If any of them attempts to enter the UK, their application will be passed up to a government minister for a decision. "
Scandal of police cell costing more than luxury suite / icWales , 4 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4enet
Lucy Ballinger
"A new report reveals all four Welsh police forces charge the Home Office more than a five star hotel to put up asylum seekers in their cells.
While an agreement ensures the Prison Service pays �110 to hold people overnight in police cells if jails are too overcrowded, there is no such deal to save taxpayers' cash when it comes to immigrants seeking asylum."
Lucy Ballinger
"A new report reveals all four Welsh police forces charge the Home Office more than a five star hotel to put up asylum seekers in their cells.
While an agreement ensures the Prison Service pays �110 to hold people overnight in police cells if jails are too overcrowded, there is no such deal to save taxpayers' cash when it comes to immigrants seeking asylum."
Data demands breach law, say phone firms / Guardian, 9 Sep 2005
http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardianpolitics/story/0,,1566104,00.html
Alan Travis
"Mr Clarke acknowledged the issue was 'politically tricky'. He confirmed that he had not secured their agreement yesterday but still hopes to get it approved by the end of the year. A new European data protection regime is to be finalised within the next few weeks to provide data access safeguards in an attempt to reassure sceptical EU ministers. "
Alan Travis
"Mr Clarke acknowledged the issue was 'politically tricky'. He confirmed that he had not secured their agreement yesterday but still hopes to get it approved by the end of the year. A new European data protection regime is to be finalised within the next few weeks to provide data access safeguards in an attempt to reassure sceptical EU ministers. "
MEPs angry over anti-terror human rights breaches / EU Politics, 9 Sep 2005
UK interior minister Charles Clarke's suggestion that human rights may have to be sacrificed in the fight against terror during a debate in Strasbourg has angered many MEPs Le Monde notes. Liberation calls one of the main pillars of the anti-terror proposals, a new data-retention law "Blair’s big brother proposal".
German papers say that EU justice ministers meeting in the UK, also faced criticism from telecommunications firms worried over potential cost and civil rights groups.
London wants agreement on the scheme in four weeks, but differences still remain over how long data should be stored.
The Danish minister said the limits of the civil rights compromise has almost been reached, but Poland and Italy support the move. [Snippet]
German papers say that EU justice ministers meeting in the UK, also faced criticism from telecommunications firms worried over potential cost and civil rights groups.
London wants agreement on the scheme in four weeks, but differences still remain over how long data should be stored.
The Danish minister said the limits of the civil rights compromise has almost been reached, but Poland and Italy support the move. [Snippet]
9/11 Conspiracy Theories on Arab and Iranian TV Channels 2004-2005 / MEMRI: 9 Sep 2005
http://memri.org/bin/latestnews.cgi?ID=SR3805
"Since 9/11, the Arab and Iranian media have been rife with conspiracy theories about the attacks - segments from Arab and Iranian TV on 9/11 conspiracy theories; all were aired in 2004-2005."
"Since 9/11, the Arab and Iranian media have been rife with conspiracy theories about the attacks - segments from Arab and Iranian TV on 9/11 conspiracy theories; all were aired in 2004-2005."
[Australia] Track and tag - the new war on terrorism / Sydney Morning Herals, 9 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4ener
Cynthia Banham and Marian Wilkinson
"Federal police will be able to fit terrorist suspects with tracking devices for 12 months, and their state counterparts could be allowed to hold people without charge for two weeks, under Federal Government plans to toughen security laws.
The Government also plans to make it harder for foreigners to get Australian citizenship and to introduce new offences of inciting violence against community groups and Australian forces overseas, and leaving baggage unattended at airports."
Cynthia Banham and Marian Wilkinson
"Federal police will be able to fit terrorist suspects with tracking devices for 12 months, and their state counterparts could be allowed to hold people without charge for two weeks, under Federal Government plans to toughen security laws.
The Government also plans to make it harder for foreigners to get Australian citizenship and to introduce new offences of inciting violence against community groups and Australian forces overseas, and leaving baggage unattended at airports."
[Russia] Legislation needed to combat human trafficking in Russia -/ Jamaica Observer, 8 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4enep
"Senior Russian police officials yesterday called for legislation to combat trafficking in humans and urged stricter control over agencies specialising in overseas jobs which they say often operate human trafficking rings."
"Senior Russian police officials yesterday called for legislation to combat trafficking in humans and urged stricter control over agencies specialising in overseas jobs which they say often operate human trafficking rings."
You Do What You Eat : Forget tougher punishments and hiring more police. The solution to crime and violence is on your dinner plate / AlterNet, 8 Sep
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/25122/Marco Visscher
"The students are 'calm and well-behaved' in a new video documentary, Impact of Fresh, Healthy Foods on Learning and Behavior. Fights and offensive behavior are extremely rare and the police officer is no longer needed. "
"The students are 'calm and well-behaved' in a new video documentary, Impact of Fresh, Healthy Foods on Learning and Behavior. Fights and offensive behavior are extremely rare and the police officer is no longer needed. "
Free Press News - Doncaster Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & More
http://www.doncastertoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=786&ArticleID=1138996
Sarah Dunn
"A NEW get-tough approach to tackling prostitution is using the threat of a jail sentence to deter women from the streets. rostitutes will have four chances to give up work before being served with an anti-social behaviour order, which, if breached, could land them in jail. The new approach aims to take girls out of a cycle where they often find themselves arrested, charged and fined - and back on the streets the same day,working to earn money to pay it off. Emphasis will be placed on helping prostitutes move out of the industry. Kerb crawlers will also be targeted in the crackdown, facing ASBOs and a possible driving ban.
Chairman of the Nether Hall Area Community Group Roy Penketh said: 'A law is only as good as it is enforced - it's all very well bringing in these new ideas provided they are used properly.
'We have seen many initiatives that work for a while but the problem always comes back. The issue here is that it will take up a lot of police time and resources.'
Wheatley ward councillor Coun Eva Hughes said: 'What is important about this approach is that we are putting something in place that gives the girls the chance of a new life and a better future without going back on the streets. I also welcome the tough approach to kerb crawlers who should be named and shamed through the courts - because after all it is these people that create the demand.'" [Snippet]
Sarah Dunn
"A NEW get-tough approach to tackling prostitution is using the threat of a jail sentence to deter women from the streets. rostitutes will have four chances to give up work before being served with an anti-social behaviour order, which, if breached, could land them in jail. The new approach aims to take girls out of a cycle where they often find themselves arrested, charged and fined - and back on the streets the same day,working to earn money to pay it off. Emphasis will be placed on helping prostitutes move out of the industry. Kerb crawlers will also be targeted in the crackdown, facing ASBOs and a possible driving ban.
Chairman of the Nether Hall Area Community Group Roy Penketh said: 'A law is only as good as it is enforced - it's all very well bringing in these new ideas provided they are used properly.
'We have seen many initiatives that work for a while but the problem always comes back. The issue here is that it will take up a lot of police time and resources.'
Wheatley ward councillor Coun Eva Hughes said: 'What is important about this approach is that we are putting something in place that gives the girls the chance of a new life and a better future without going back on the streets. I also welcome the tough approach to kerb crawlers who should be named and shamed through the courts - because after all it is these people that create the demand.'" [Snippet]
New Forum Postings Call for Intensified Electronic Jihad against Government Websites
http://jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369777
Jeffrey Pool
In light of recent Internet-based attacks, including the Zotob worm that temporarily disrupted machines within the U.S. government and San Francisco International Airport, it is important for government and business groups to pay careful attention to the potential damages caused by hackers, whatever their motives. A new section on the jihadist al-Farouq web forum [www.al-farouq.com/vb], created two weeks ago, contains postings that call for heightened electronic attacks against U.S. and allied government websites and provides information for mujahid hackers.
Jeffrey Pool
In light of recent Internet-based attacks, including the Zotob worm that temporarily disrupted machines within the U.S. government and San Francisco International Airport, it is important for government and business groups to pay careful attention to the potential damages caused by hackers, whatever their motives. A new section on the jihadist al-Farouq web forum [www.al-farouq.com/vb], created two weeks ago, contains postings that call for heightened electronic attacks against U.S. and allied government websites and provides information for mujahid hackers.
Reassessing the July 21 London Bombings / Terrorism Monitro, 8 Sep 2005
http://jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369778
Paul Tumelty
"The apparent attempted suicide bombings in London on July 21, exactly two weeks after the attacks that left over 50 dead, provided the Metropolitan Police, in commissioner Ian Blair's words, with its 'greatest operational challenge since the Second World War.' The attacks, which the authorities maintain were intended to kill, dealt an unprecedented blow to the psychological state of the capital and again cast doubts upon the security services' ability to track active terrorist cells."
Paul Tumelty
"The apparent attempted suicide bombings in London on July 21, exactly two weeks after the attacks that left over 50 dead, provided the Metropolitan Police, in commissioner Ian Blair's words, with its 'greatest operational challenge since the Second World War.' The attacks, which the authorities maintain were intended to kill, dealt an unprecedented blow to the psychological state of the capital and again cast doubts upon the security services' ability to track active terrorist cells."
Evaluating the Effectiveness of French Counter-Terrorism / Terrorism Monitor, 8 Sep 2005
http://jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369780
Ludo Block
"Over the last decade, French counter-terrorism strategy has been recognized as one of the most effective in Europe. The French system emerged from painful experience - unlike other European countries France has faced the deadly threat of Islamic terrorism on its soil since the 1980s. A number of attacks in Paris by the Iranian-linked Hezbollah network of Fouad Ali Saleh in 1985 and 1986 triggered profound changes in the organization and legislative base of French counter-terrorism. These were reinforced after the Algerian Armed Islamic Group (GIA) attacks in 1995 and 1996. "
Ludo Block
"Over the last decade, French counter-terrorism strategy has been recognized as one of the most effective in Europe. The French system emerged from painful experience - unlike other European countries France has faced the deadly threat of Islamic terrorism on its soil since the 1980s. A number of attacks in Paris by the Iranian-linked Hezbollah network of Fouad Ali Saleh in 1985 and 1986 triggered profound changes in the organization and legislative base of French counter-terrorism. These were reinforced after the Algerian Armed Islamic Group (GIA) attacks in 1995 and 1996. "
PAGAD: A Case Study of Radical Islam in South Africa / Terrorism Monitor, 8 Sep 2005
http://jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369781
Anneli Botha
"The threat of Islamic terrorism to the Republic of South Africa (RSA) is surprisingly real. Aside from the possibility of an al-Qaeda strike against U.S. and other Western interests in the country, there are a number of indigenous Islamic networks that have the potential to either engage in serious acts of terrorism on their own or in conjunction with international terrorists. Of these indigenous networks the most important is an organization formerly called People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD). This article highlights the emergence, evolution and threats posed by PAGAD and similar organizations, which use legitimate causes as a subterfuge for furthering their radical Islamic agenda. "
Anneli Botha
"The threat of Islamic terrorism to the Republic of South Africa (RSA) is surprisingly real. Aside from the possibility of an al-Qaeda strike against U.S. and other Western interests in the country, there are a number of indigenous Islamic networks that have the potential to either engage in serious acts of terrorism on their own or in conjunction with international terrorists. Of these indigenous networks the most important is an organization formerly called People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD). This article highlights the emergence, evolution and threats posed by PAGAD and similar organizations, which use legitimate causes as a subterfuge for furthering their radical Islamic agenda. "
Police use software to predict recidivism / vnunet.com, 8 Sep 2005
http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2142051/probation-service-writing
"The National Offender Management Service, part of the Probation Service, is to use new technology that analyses writing styles to predict whether someone is likely to reoffend."
"The National Offender Management Service, part of the Probation Service, is to use new technology that analyses writing styles to predict whether someone is likely to reoffend."
Community policing 'not affected' by shake-up / icCoventry, 8 Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4enen
Ben griffin
"Community policing in Warwickshire will not be affected if proposals to get rid of the force go ahead, the county's chief constable has pledged.
Under proposed reforms, some of the country's smallest police forces, including Warwickshire, could be axed to make crime-fighting more effective. "
Ben griffin
"Community policing in Warwickshire will not be affected if proposals to get rid of the force go ahead, the county's chief constable has pledged.
Under proposed reforms, some of the country's smallest police forces, including Warwickshire, could be axed to make crime-fighting more effective. "
Thailand emerges as fake passport capital / Tri-City Herald, 8 Sep 2005
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/24hour/world/story/2697989p-11245741c.html
Alisa Tang
"Thailand has emerged as one of the criminal world's main sources for fake and altered passports for frauds, fugitives and terrorists, including at least one al-Qaida-linked operative, Thai and foreign police say.
Thai police previously viewed forgery as a petty crime. But under pressure from Western governments after the Sept. 11 attacks, they say they are now cracking down on the black market that aided Hambali, the mastermind of the 2002 Bali attacks and alleged leader of al-Qaida-linked Southeast Asian terror group, Jemaah Islamiyah. "
Alisa Tang
"Thailand has emerged as one of the criminal world's main sources for fake and altered passports for frauds, fugitives and terrorists, including at least one al-Qaida-linked operative, Thai and foreign police say.
Thai police previously viewed forgery as a petty crime. But under pressure from Western governments after the Sept. 11 attacks, they say they are now cracking down on the black market that aided Hambali, the mastermind of the 2002 Bali attacks and alleged leader of al-Qaida-linked Southeast Asian terror group, Jemaah Islamiyah. "
Man 'refused to deny al-Qaeda link' / U.TV, 8 Sep 2005 :::
http://www.utvinternet.ie/newsroom/indepth.asp?pt=n&id=64789
"An Algerian who claimed to be a 'drifter' but refused to deny any connection with any 'al-Qaeda network' today became the first none loyalist or republican alleged terrorist to be tried under Northern Ireland's none jury Diplock Court system. "
"An Algerian who claimed to be a 'drifter' but refused to deny any connection with any 'al-Qaeda network' today became the first none loyalist or republican alleged terrorist to be tried under Northern Ireland's none jury Diplock Court system. "
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