Brittish man convicted for anti Muslim banner

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

A protest in London against the publication of a cartoon depicting the prophet Mohammed as a terrorist incensed an Aberporth man, who painted an anti-Muslim slogan on a white sheet and draped it over his garden fence.

The words in bold red paint stated: "Kill all Muslims who threaten us and our way of life. Enoch Powell was right."

Father of two Gary John Mathewson, who was arrested for displaying the banner, told a court: "This won't stop until there is a Muslim president in the White House."

continued...

And referring to MP Jack Straw questioning whether Muslim women should wear face veils he asked: "Are you going to arrest him?"

When prosecutor Maggie Hughes pointed out that the banner did not mention extremists Mathewson said: "That's what I meant by those who threaten us and our way of life.'"

Adding that during the protest in London a Muslim was dressed as a suicide bomber he asked: "Why was he not arrested?"

One of his neighbours, a retired Army officer with 23 years service, told the court he reported the matter to the police because he feared a visit from Muslim extremists.

Mathewson, aged 35, of 79 Brynglas, Aberporth, who was represented by Colin Taylor, pleaded not guilty to a charge of religiously aggravated disorderly conduct in February this year.

Complainant Ian Pennington said the banner was pointed out to him by his coalman, and he later went for a closer look and wrote down the words.

Replying to Miss Hughes he said: "I thought it was stupid and a rather silly and ridiculous thing to do.

"This could have come to the attention of Islamic extremists, and we could have had a visitation," he said.

Pointing to the Twin Towers incident in New York Mr Taylor told the witness: "When three and a half thousand people are killed in Manhattan and elsewhere is it not acceptable for a reasonable man to protest.

"I put it to you that you were not particularly perturbed. If you were you would have ripped the banner off the fence," he said.

Finding Mathewson guilty presiding magistrate Anne Rees said she and her colleagues felt the words on the banner were likely to cause someone distress, and they did not find it as reasonable.

The defendant was given a conditional discharge for two years and ordered to pay £150 costs.

Before leaving the court the defendant and Mr Pennington shook hands.

http://www.tivysideadvertiser.co.uk/news/l...slim_banner.php

These people were not arrested. Real fair.

[pedroh 21]

yea #######.. not that it was right to display violent banners.. but why the jihadists don't get arrested when displaying those banners of kill enemies of islam?

double standard ftl.. those extremist arseholes should be punished with a bottle of jack daniels and a stripper private dance.. WTFPWNED!

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Not surprisingly it's easier to arrest and persecute one guy than it is to arrest a whole group of people.

Double standard? Absolutely.

[mawilson 2,133]

The UK never had a written constitutional guarantee of free speech and press.

The only law that (sort of) guarantees free speech is the Human Rights Act 1998,

which includes Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Unfortunately, it's not the same as the American 1st Amendment free speech

guarantee:

Whereas the US constitution clearly states, "Congress shall make no law [...]

abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press" -- no ifs, ands or buts, the

European Convention adds a nasty little Orwellian "Part 2" which makes the

right to "receive and impart information" subject to Part 2’s "restrictions and

penalties in the interests of national security."[*]

[*]The entire provision reads as follows:

1. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include
   freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas
   without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. This article
   shall not prevent States from requiring the licensing of broadcasting, television
   or cinema enterprises.
   
2. The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities,
   may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are
   prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of
   national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder
   or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation
   or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in
   confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.
   

[Heracles 417]

Father of two Gary John Mathewson, who was arrested for displaying the banner,

These people were not arrested. Real fair.

What the hell is wrong with the UK?? God help the US if these animals succeed in influencing politics the way the do in London. At least the government in Australia does not pussyfoot around with people like that.. Just look at the hypocrisy.. Their signs must be different and ok...

Edited October 22, 2006 by Infidel

[pedroh 21]

OWNED