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Data Protection: applying the Principles to the surveillance of a demonstration
Does it breach the Data Protection Act to process personal data about all demonstrators in order to identify those demonstrators who are also "domestic extremists"? To answer this question, it is instructive to apply the Data Protection Principles to the photographing of a demonstration by the police.
The relevant explanation of the term "domestic extremism" is found on the website of National Extremism Tactical Coordination Unit (NETCU is the Unit that is at the centre of the controversy (http://www.netcu.org.uk/de/default.jsp). Its website states that "Clearly, the majority of people involved in animal rights, environmentalism and other campaigns are peaceful protesters and are never considered extremist" and that "The term only applies to individuals or groups whose activities go outside the normal democratic process and engage in crime and disorder" – for example - "criminal acts of direct action in furtherance of a campaign".
The web-site continues: "Domestic extremism is most commonly associated with 'single-issue' protests, such as animal rights, environmentalism, anti-globalisation or anti-GM crops. Crime and public disorder linked to extreme left or right wing political campaigns is also considered domestic extremism". This is because "these people and activities usually seek to prevent something from happening or to change legislation or domestic policy, but attempt to do so outside of the normal democratic process".
So, have you got the picture? "Domestic extremists" are those people who we have all seen on TV engaging in a range of criminal damage (e.g. pulling-up GM crops or smashing shop windows) or in a range of public disorder events (e.g. throwing smoke bombs or having a punch-up). Anything more serious would probably fall within the UK's wide definition of "terrorism" (e.g. using Molotov cocktails).
However, note NETCU's admission that demonstrations form part of the normal democratic process and most demonstrators are not "domestic extremists" and that the "extremist" is the exception rather than the norm. Hence, it follows that in terms of the Fifth and Third Principles, that the undue retention of personal data on law abiding demonstrators is likely to be excessive. In terms of the First Principle, the mere presence at a demonstration should not be sufficient grounds to legitimise the undue retention of personal data on those who are not connected with "extremists". Fair processing obligations (e.g. signage) similar to that which is familiar with CCTV should be employed and visible to demonstrating data subjects.
Yes, I think that under the Act, it would be deemed lawful and legitimate for NETCU to process images of all data subjects for a reasonable period of time in order to identify any "domestic extremist", but once that reasonable time has elapsed, that legitimacy expires in the context of those who aren't domestic extremists.
In addition, for most law abiding demonstrators, the section 29 subject access exemption will not apply to these personal data because there is no prospect of prejudice to any criminal matter. It follows that data subjects on demonstrations should be able to exercise their right of access to personal data (i.e. the police photographs). Indeed, for a mere £10, you should be able to get high quality mementos of your participation in any demo. (However, you should keep a record of where you were and at what time to help locate the personal data obtained by the police photographer or CCTV operator who took your picture). Finally, I see no reason why the right to object to the processing of personal data should also not be applied if a demonstrating data subject considers that the personal data should not have been retained.
The policing of demonstrations requires a difficult balancing act – we all know that. The Data Protection Act can help make that balance transparent and fair to both sides. So I conclude that if the NETCU have nothing to hide, it will have nothing to fear from the application of the Data Protection Principles to the policing of a demonstration.
Finally, it is possible that the Home Secretary could sign one of those all embracing National Security Certificates in order to make the data protection issues "go away". Arguably such a Certificate could be applied to most demonstrations on the grounds that a demonstration would be ideal cover for terrorists (hence the need to photograph everyone). However, this approach would merely expose the unacceptable and unaccountable nature of these National Security Certificates.
Police surveillance of demonstrators misses Congestion Charge angle
This week, the Guardian has run a major exposé of police surveillance of demonstrations and of the fact that the police have amassed a photo-library of individuals, many of whom do not possess a criminal record, but who involve themselves in lawful protest.
The photo-library is used to make "spotter cards". This spotter card is a police version of those I-Spy games I used to have as a child; spot the demonstrator (or "domestic extremist" to use the official description) and call the Metropolitan Police's Public Order Intelligence Unit to see how many points you get.
According to the newspaper, police surveillance also uses Automated Number Plate Readers (ANPR) to track cars driven by the leading "domestic extremists" of the day. As most demonstrations occur in London, it is possible that the pivotal role played by London's Congestion Charge Cameras has been overlooked.
In an earlier blog ( "Can national security agencies disclose communications data or ANPR images to anybody?", 06/10/2009), I explained that the exemption described by the National Security Certificate that relates to the Congestion Charge Cameras permits the disclosure of ANPR images to anybody on the planet (e.g. any national government agency including the unsavoury ones) for any purpose (e.g. for a purpose that has nothing to do with crime and national security).
As most demonstrations occur in London, the Certificate is likely to apply to cars driven by "domestic extremists" as they make their way to a demo. The breadth of this exemption would thus permit a list of "extremists" attending a particular demo to be compiled and circulated (perhaps with relevant driver information from the DVLA) to interested national governments, perhaps as some kind of good will gesture. As the ID Card Act 2006 permits wide disclosures from the National Identity Register, it is easy to see that in future, the photograph of the ID Card holders could also be attached.
The policing of demonstrations calls for checks and balances. Such balance should be achieved by detailed legislation which has an independent regulator that can act as arbiter; that is why you have a Parades Commission in Northern Ireland and that is why it is important that the Information Commissioner investigates properly. It will be an interesting test of the new Commissioner who has just gone public with his "information rights" agenda (see yesterday's blog).
However, in the case of these National Security Certificates such as the one signed in relation to the Congestion Charge ANPR cameras, there is a constitutional problem that is beyond the Information Commissioner. The Tribunal's decision to chuck out the Privacy International's Appeal limits such hearings to case-by-case circumstances when an individual tries to exercise data subject rights, and fails. Yet this Certificate, in data protection terms, legitimises mass surveillance of all those who drive into London.
All mass surveillance should be subject to detailed primary legislation. Yet these National Security Certificates are not even subject to the low standard of Parliamentary scrutiny that occurs when Secondary Legislation is enacted (e.g. by Statutory Instrument). In effect, the Certificate system established under the Data Protection Act substitutes administrative fiat for legislation and public debate.
Such a prospect, in my view, is simply unacceptable – especially when one considers these Certificates in the context of the Guardian revelations.
Information Commissioner contemplates unpopularity
At yesterday's Update session in Manchester, Stephen McCartney, Head of Data Protection Promotion, at the Commissioner's office outlined several changes to the structure of the ICO's office and in the ICO's modus operandi.
First the Office of the Information Commissioner is being reorganised and the division between Data Protection and Freedom of Information is being removed. Instead, staff at the ICO will be expected to deal with both subjects. The new focus will be on "information rights" rather than DP or FOI and in this context, the name of the Tribunal will change. From mid-January, the Information Tribunal will be known by the catchy title of "First Tier Tribunal (Information Rights)" (of the General Regulatory Chamber) as it will become a part of the First Tier Tribunal established by the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.
In this context, appeals from the First Tier Tribunal can be heard by an Upper Tribunal. This Upper Tribunal will take over from the courts when arguments arise from the decisions of the First Tier Tribunal (e.g. when there are judicial review considerations). In the FOI context, this is likely to mean there will be more appeals from the decision of the lower First Tier Tribunal (the old Information Tribunal) as the costs of a further legal appeal are reduced significantly (e.g. it is likely that each side will carry its own costs).
Cases of significance (e.g. a FOI request that raises a matter of significant public interest) can be heard by the Upper Tribunal (thus avoiding the lower Tier).
The focus of the ICO's office will be on operational aspects, using powers where this is necessary to enforce information rights laws. The ICO will make the reduction of operational backlogs (e.g. assessments, Decision Notices) a priority. Policy matters, for example, delving into the Surveillance Society will still continue where appropriate but with a lower priority.
The Commissioner is to be known as the Chief Executive of the ICO to reflect the Information Rights agenda. When asked about the overlap between data protection and other Commissioners (e.g. in the context of access to communications data), the response was that if personal data were processed, then the Commissioner would have a remit to use his powers where appropriate.
The Commissioner is pressing for his ability to audit data controllers in the public sector to be extended to the private sector.
The ICO mission is to "uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals". This statement says nothing about educating data controllers or public authorities in their obligations.
In anticipation of the power to fine (e.g. Monetary Penalty Notice) or imprison (e.g. custodial Section 55 offences) and the increasing use of signed undertakings when data protection matters go significantly awry, the ICO is expecting to become "less popular" with data controllers. As a result, I expect that more Information Notices to be served as data controllers (and public authorities) might be reluctant to confess all to a Commissioner that has significant powers and an information rights agenda to push.
In short, "no more Mr Nice Guy". These new powers, when implemented, will result in a more normal relationship between the regulator and regulated.
Note: there are still places on our Edinburgh Update next Monday - details on www.amberhawk.com.
Posted at 02:44 PM in Data Protection, Freedom of Information, News | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Data Protection: Is the 2011 census the last one of its kind?
Yesterday's BBC news website carried a story headlined "Bedroom snooper row over census".
"For the first time", the report says "people will be asked to provide details of the number of bedrooms they have as well as the names, sex and birth dates of any overnight guests in their homes". "Other new questions", the report adds "include how well people can speak English, the date overseas nationals entered the UK, how people define their national identity and whether they are in civil partnerships".
Nick Hurd, a Shadow Cabinet Office minister is quoted as saying "An increasingly invasive and intrusive census will erode public support "
However, the BBC has probably missed a more controversial aspect of its story as the National Identity Register (NIR) - the ID Card database - is intended to act as a population register so that it can deliver a rolling census in future. The current Government intends that the 2011 Census is the last one of its kind.
Back in 2004, the Office of National Statistics had promoted a separate adult population register as part of the Citizen Information Project (CIP). However by early 2005, the Government had decided that all CIP functionality (including the census and population register) would be incorporated into its plans for the wider use of the NIR. A draft Written Answer was prepared for Ministers in July 2005 so that the changes could be made public. However, political expediency meant that the actual statement was only given to Parliament after the ID Card Act 2006 had received Royal Assent.
There is a telling paragraph in the document that contained the delayed Written Statement. Civil servants advised Ministers: "Home Office believe there would be advantages in making an announcement before Parliament rises on 21st July (2005)" as "that would confirm the Government's intention to use the ID Cards register in this way while the ID Cards Bill is still being debated and so avoid subsequent criticism, say from the Information Commissioner, that the ID Cards register is subject to 'function creep' ".
Minutes released in relation to the CIP (dated 2004 and 2005) show that the NIR will be used in conjunction with the Census and could check that citizens are eligible to vote at elections. These Minutes show the Home Office:
• "should design the take-up profile of the NIR to be such that population statistics can be realised for the 2021 census".
• "has responsibility for delivering an adult population register that enables basic contact data held on NIR to be downloaded to other public sector stakeholders" (The "Treasury and Cabinet Office should ensure that NIR delivers CIP functionality as planned");
• "takes responsibility for ensuring from around 2021 basic contact data held by stakeholders can be up-loaded to the NIR";
The CIP's final report states (at page 17) that secondary legislation will allow "public services to be provided with NIR data without the need to obtain specific citizen consent".
I think this attitude towards data protection says it all – no further comment is needed.
Note: if readers are interested in knowing what else was withheld from Parliamentary scrutiny of the ID Card Act, see my Written Evidence to the Constitution Committee on the "policy download" pages of www.amberhawk.com
Data Protection: Enforcement action for making false Safe Harbor claims
In a way that mirrors the undertakings signed by UK data controllers, six U.S. businesses have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charges that they deceived consumers by falsely claiming they were abiding by the EU/U.S. Safe Harbor framework.
According to six separate complaints filed by the FTC, the six companies deceptively claimed they held current certifications under the Safe Harbor framework. The framework is a voluntary program administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce in consultation with the European Commission. To participate, a company must self-certify annually to the Department of Commerce that it complies with a defined set of privacy principles.
The FTC complaints charge World Innovators, Inc.; ExpatEdge Partners LLC; Onyx Graphics, Inc.; Directors Desk LLC; Collectify LLC; and Progressive Gaitways LLC with representing that they held current certifications to the Safe Harbor program, even though the companies had allowed their certifications to lapse.
Under the proposed settlement agreements, which are subject to public comment (unlike the UK type undertakings), the companies are prohibited from misrepresenting the extent to which they participate in any privacy, security, or other compliance program sponsored by a government or any third party. Each violation the final agreement may result in a civil penalty of $16,000 (there again unlike the UK undertakings).
The interesting point arising from the USA action is the link to unfair processing if this kind of claim were to made by a UK based data controller. So suppose a UK data controller made a claim that its USA business partners were in Safe Harbor with respect to any transfer of personal data, then this claim would open the UK data controller to a breach of the First Principle if the USA self-certification certificates had lapsed. In general, therefore, if you are making claims to reassure data subjects in fair processing notices about the processing of personal data (e.g. on your web-site), then make sure such claims are justified and up to date.
The agreements can be accessed from http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/safeharbor.shtm and will be finalised after a period of public consultation. If you want to make a comment, be my guest; just download http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/sixcasespubliccomment.pdf. Details of Safe Harbor on http://export.gov/safeharbor).
DNA database: the press is wrong to report a civil libertarian victory over DNA retention.
According to Monday's Guardian: "Home Office climbs down over keeping DNA records on innocent". On the same day the BBC reported: "The government has dropped plans to give ministers wide powers on holding innocent people's DNA data on record". Both news outlets reported the Government's actions to withdraw clauses on DNA retention in terms of a victory for civil liberties.
'Scuse me – I think these journalists have jumped the gun.
The Policing and Crime Bill had proposed providing Ministers with powers that set time limits on holding DNA and related personal data; innocent individuals could expect their DNA data to be retained for six years or possibly longer is some cases. The Home Office said that this time period had been backed by "evidence" from the Jill Dando Institute for Crime Science. Unfortunately the Institute is on the record as saying that its evidence should not have been used to decide the six- to twelve-year time limits because its research was incomplete.
The DNA retention provisions had also received trenchant criticism by scrutiny Committees in Parliament. The Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee reported that because of the breadth of these powers they "should not be allowed to remain in the Bill in their present form". A similar message came from the Joint Committee on Human Rights Committee; it reported that "we are alarmed that the substance of these proposals (on DNA data retention) will not be contained in primary legislation, subject to the usual scrutiny by both Houses. We strongly urge the Government to think again".
In other words, the Government had a political headache in the Lords. There was no evidential base to support its DNA retention proposals and a great deal of Parliamentary opposition had assembled; in addition, both main opposition parties want DNA data on innocent individuals to be deleted. That is why Lord Brett, bowed to the inevitable and said that the Government "have decided to invite Parliament to remove Clauses 96 to 98" adding that "as soon as parliamentary time allows, we will bring forward appropriate measures which will place the detail of the retention periods in primary legislation".
In other words, the Government ditched its DNA retention proposals rather than waiting for them to be defeated.
However the removal of these clauses means "DNA business as usual". Even if the Government were to immediately introduce new primary legislation on DNA retention, if it is not in tune with Opposition demands, such legislation is unlikely to get through as the current Parliamentary session ends in April 2010 (at latest). This in turn could mean that any "DNA Retention Act" will not receive Royal Assent until well after next year's General Election.
In effect: "no change to the DNA collection and retention rules about the innocent until at least 2011". Last year, the DNA database expanded by 10%; it now contains 5 million entries, 20% of which relate to the "not convicted". The delay means another half million entries can be expected to be added in the next year.
This is hardly a victory for civil liberties. That is why some journalists were premature in their judgments.
Data Protection: "violent markers and libel: everyone a winner except the taxpayer"
One of the things I like about our Update sessions is that you get to know what you missed. And so it was with the case of Jane Clift v Slough Borough Council (Neutral Citation Number: [2009] EWHC 1550 (QB)) – a judgment delivered in June 2009 – which deals with the "violent warning marker".
What happened was essentially this. Ms Clift reported to a council official (Ms R) an incidence of anti social behaviour that upset her. That telephone call got heated and the phone call was cut off by Ms. Clift before Ms R said she was terminating the call. Ms Clift then wrote to the Council saying ""I did not want to give [Ms] R the self satisfaction of terminating the call – I slammed my phone down so hard I broke it. I felt so affronted and filled with anger that I am certain that I would have physically attacked her if she had been anywhere near me. I truly am not of that nature and so, surely, this should act as a wake up call to the Borough as to the capacity she has for offending people".
The colourful phrases used in the letter caused Slough to activate its "violent warning" mechanism. This resulted in an investigation by Mr Kelleher that concluded that Ms Clift's actions amounted to violent and threatening behaviour. Mr K said that a marker was to be placed against her name for 18 months and shared with other council departments and government agencies within the borough by electronic means. The result was that Ms. Clift sued for libel and the Council dug in to resist the action.
I recommend the judgment to all our readers involved with the violent marker issue; there is a lot to take in and consider. However, the outcome was that Ms Clift was awarded damages of £12,000, the Council and its investigator (Mr Kelleher) were deemed not to have acted maliciously, and the lawyers involved were suitably enriched for their troubles. Only the taxpayer lost out as he was left picking up the tab.
(By the way, there are places still available in Manchester and Edinburgh Update - details on www.amberhawk.com!. If you Google the case reference you will find it - if having difficulty, email info@amberhawk.com).
Posted at 10:33 AM in Data Protection, News, Other Information Law | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Data Protection: CRB could stop misuse of irrelevant criminal data in employment vetting
I might be old fashioned, but I think it's OK for the police to retain those criminal records they need to do their job. So I am not surprised by yesterday's Appeal Court decision that allowed them to do so, even when there were disclosures of trivial and ancient criminal details for employment purposes.
For example, the Appeal Court considered the case of HP, who in March 1984 was 16 years of age. He stole items from a display in a M&S store and at the Juvenile Court was convicted of theft and fined £15. In 2006, the offence was disclosed on an enhanced disclosure certificate dated when HP had applied for a position as a care officer with Hull City Council. HP was then informed by his employer that an enhanced disclosure certificate had revealed his conviction, which he had not previously disclosed and he was informed by his manager that he may be disciplined.
Shocking isn't it! I wholly agree that this kind of misuse of personal data in these kinds of circumstances should be stopped.
However, the wrong data controller has been dragged through the Courts. The real problem is not the police processing of such records or making a disclosure to employers, but rather employers using irrelevant criminal detail when making employment decisions.
In theory, employment vetting using criminal records needs the employer to register with the Criminal Record Bureau. To obtain disclosure, the employer must then comply with the CRB's Code of Practice which has been approved by Parliament, developed after a lengthy public consultation and is intended to reassure job applicants that the vetting process is fair.
Indeed the CRB boasts that it "takes seriously its statutory duties relevant to the rehabilitation of offenders, data protection and human rights legislation. It will therefore seek to ensure strict compliance with the Code through the full range of CRB assurance management processes".
The Code requires that those who use the CRB's vetting services to: "have a written policy on the suitability of ex-offenders that is available upon request to potential applicants"; to "notify all potential applicants of the potential effect of a criminal record history on the recruitment and selection process and any recruitment decision"; and to "discuss the content of the Disclosure with the applicant before withdrawing any offer of employment".
I have found is no evidence that suggests that the CRB has done anything to enforce its own Code of Practice. I have seen no information that suggests to me that employers, subject to the Code, have adhered to its terms. It appears to me that the CRB's much vaunted Code or Practice could easily be window dressing – nothing more, nothing less.
However, it can be so different as the Code, if implemented and enforced properly, would resolve all the relevant data protection issues. All that needs to happen is the following:
(a) The disclosure of all criminal details to each employer should be by secure electronic means (this includes enhanced criminal intelligence detail).
(b) This form of disclosure would ensure that the employer would be a data controller with respect to the disclosed sensitive personal data.
(c) The failure to apply the CRB Code of Practice can then be enforced as not to comply with its terms is unfair (the CRB actually say the purpose of the Code is to be "fair").
(d) The use of irrelevant criminal personal data by an employer when making an employment decision would constitute a breach of the Third Principle.
Note that the data subject can sue for compensation (if damaged), the Information Commissioner can enforce the Act on the correct target, the police can retain their records, and irresponsible employers who improperly use criminal details can be castigated.
Everybody then would be happy.
Data Protection: no new powers for the Commissioner in 2010?
So the Government has finally published its consultation on whether or not there should be custodial sanctions relating to selling or offering to sell personal data that have been unlawfully obtained (i.e. without the consent of the data controller).
At the moment, the offence under section 55 of the Data Protection Act 1998 is non-custodial with a £5,000 fine maximum. The Government is consulting on whether or not the maximum summary penalty at the Magistrates Court should be increased to 12 months in prison and/or a fine of up to the statutory maximum of £5,000. On indictment by the High Court, the maximum penalty could be increased to 2 years in person and/or a £5K fine. This brings it into line with similar offences, for example in the Computer Misuse Act.
So why the public consultation now? I think there are two drivers. First, there is a critical report coming from a Parliamentary Select Committee on the horizon; it took evidence on "Press standards, privacy and libel" and asked questions as to why there had been 18 months of governmental inaction on these penalties. After all, the relevant provisions to activate the custodial offences were hastily put in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act in January 2008. Having a consultation before the Select Committee reports allows the Government to deflect that criticism.
Secondly, I think the public consultation boots the issue into the grass until after the General Election. For example, the consultation closes on Jan 7th 2010. Suppose it takes about 3 months to "reflect and decide": that takes us to mid-March/April. As Parliament could be dissolved in April (likely) in relation to the General Election in May (latest June 3rd), it follows that there won't be much time to introduce the necessary Regulations. The Easter weekend is April 2nd / 3rd; this removes another fortnight from the Parliamentary timetable.
Interestingly, the consultation states that "the Government proposes to bring in the new custodial penalties from April 2010, when the intention is that the ICO be given enhanced powers". This means the Monetary Penalty Notice is supposed to start in April 2010 – something else I really don't quite believe. I was assuming there would be a consultation on the extent of the powers that allow the Commissioner to fine data controllers?
Another problem is that in May/June, after the Election, an incoming Government has a difficult political mandate to follow with important economic problems to address. Do you really think they will spend Parliamentary time on a data protection issue?
That is why I am going down to the bookies to see whether I can get decent odds on these new powers and penalties not appearing in 2010.
Special Branch would have protected Elvis
Since it is a Friday, I raise a curiosity that relates to a FOI request to all information on John Lennon held by Special Branch. Naturally being Special Branch, the applicant no doubt received all that extra special loving care and attention we expect of such public authorities.
The Branch told him that he could not get the requested details because of the application of exemptions relating to sections 23(5) (information supplied by or relating to national security bodies), S.24(2) (national security), S.31(3) (investigations), S.38(2) (health and safety) and finally S.40(5)(b)(i) (personal information). After internal review, the matter went to the ICO for a Decision Note (FS50154349).
Hang on a second – the "personal data" exemption and "information about John Lennon" in the same sentence. OOPS! "Houston. We have a problem!".
The ICO's staff soon asked Special Branch to specify "to whom this personal data would relate" and "which of the data protection principles it believed would be breached through disclosure and to explain how this breach would occur". The ICO helpfully added that "given that for information to constitute personal data it must relate to a living individual" and that even "the confirmation or denial (that information about John Lennon was held) ...would not constitute the personal data of John Lennon".
No reasoned response was given to the ICO's impertinent question so he concluded that the exemption was not engaged, adding for good measure "Had the request been for information relating to a living individual the stance of the public authority may have been stronger".
Now everybody in the know realises that Elvis is alive and well and living anonymously in Barnsley; it also well known that Elvis was an informant for Edgar J Hoover in the 1960s. That is why, I have concluded, that Special Branch would be right to withhold personal information on Elvis if there were to be a similar FOI request to his personal details.
Posted at 09:28 AM in Data Protection, Freedom of Information | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)


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N and I saw Hail Satan! on Friday night, a documentary about the Satanic Temple. Without knowing much about it I've been looking forward to seeing it for some time.
While it covered the brief history of this organization and its founders it was, for the most part, focused on the ST's fight against the imposition of Christianity in public spaces in the US and the meaning of that imposition.
It is the creeping notion of Merica as a Christian nation that they are standing up against. The symbols of a certain type of fundamentalist Christianity which are seeping (and have been for some time) into every form of public life. Prayers in politics and schools, crosses and other symbols in public spaces.
You see Christian theocracy just creeping into our government, and it is our duty to stand up to this.
This film particularly focuses on the Satanic Temple's stance against the large monument installed in the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol. In protest the ST proposed to erect a statue of Bephomet. Their smart, tenacious fight filled me with hope and love.
There are so many scenes in this doco which highlight the differences between the "good" and "godly" Christians and these "evil" Satan worshipers (they're not). The Satanic Temple people are intelligently and compassionately standing up to idea that America is a Christian nation and fighting for rights of all; for equality and a voice for all people. They are doing so by taking the piss out of the hypocrisy and ridiculousness of the conservatives. It's shooting fish in a barrel really.
But they are not just taking the piss; they are doing good work. Each chapter, apart from fighting against religious intolerance and control, are doing acts of civil charity.
As an atheist I found this quote from director Penny Lane sums up really well why these people, all of whom are atheists and not devil worshipers, align themselves with this group:
LANE: It's not just that atheism is boring. It's that atheism in and of itself is not a kind of affirmative set of organized values. It's more saying what you're not than what you are. And as a lifelong atheist myself, I can attest to the fact that atheism doesn't give you a community. It doesn't give you a mythology, a sort of organizing set of principles or ethics. And it doesn't give you a kind of way to organize yourself in relationship to others and make change in the world.
In summary it seems they are fighting fear, prejudice, restriction, superstition and nonsense with their 7 fundamental tenants (see above): compassion, reason, freedom, justice, the right to control one's own body.
I came out of Hail Satan! filled with joy and optimism. These are my people. The misfits, the oddbods, the brave ones. The ones who want to fight back and will do so intelligently, with humour and heart. If Hail Satan is the opposite of Amen, then Hail Fucking Satan!
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5 thoughts on "Hail Satan! A review"
The V Pub
Sounds interesting. I'll have to check it out.
I really can't recommend it enough if you're interested in these issues.
I am a fan of history and like to see all perspectives. I would resist any notion that Christianity is now creeping in. I believe that it's been there since the beginning, for better or worse.
Jack Robertson
Am idiot. Left phone in your car. Will call you at work from work tomoz

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


In Michigan's Lower Peninsula, the Trail traverses over 500 miles through a variety of small towns, urban areas, state forests and game areas, and the Huron-Manistee National Forest, all while working its way to the Mighty Mackinac Bridge.
The North Country Trail has a 128-mile section running through the Manistee National Forest marked with blue rectangle-shaped blazes. Sections of trail can be completed as day hikes going from trailhead to trailhead, or larger portions can be experienced on overnight backpacking trips.
Rustic Camping is available along the trail at designated areas, please contact the US Forestry Service to obtain a camping permit.
PLEASE NOTE: Red Bridge Crossing on the south side of this Loop, is under construction in 2018 and will be impassable thru most of the summer.
From Cadillac -Travel west on M-115 for 20 miles. Turn left and travel west on Hodenpyl Dam Rd. for 5.5 miles. The trail head is on the left after a steep hill. This single track, sometimes mountainous trail, is scenic, but has steep drop-offs in some areas. Most of the trail is not heavily trafficked and has a remote, far away from the city feel. It is a is a 9 mile out and back from Marilla, which is a climb on the way out.
Deer hunting season is November 15-30, therefore it is best to avoid using the trail during this time. Also, not all of the NCT trail segments are bike friendly, please be aware of the trail markings.
FIFE LAKE LOOP - Along this 21 mile loop trail, hikers can enjoy the scenic views, serenity of the forest, streams and the Manistee River. They can take advantage of the two state forest campgrounds in the loop and the Trail Town of Fife Lake Village. It is a perfect sized loop for a weekend get-a-way for backpackers or there are numerous options for different length day hikes.
Backcountry XC skiing and snowshoeing are welcomed on the NCT trails in the winter months. Although not groomed, the trails are well marked with blue blazes.


A self-taught guy who writes poetry with code. Keen to learn new things. And always ready to contribute as well as help or support.
Setting data to variable early.
Cleaned "handle_featured_media" method of "WP_REST_Posts_Controller" class.
Hi, Thanks for the information and suggestion. We'll fix that in our next BackWPup release.


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Home›Investment›Investment group warns that Oklahoma abortion laws could hurt business recruitment, economic development | News
Investment group warns that Oklahoma abortion laws could hurt business recruitment, economic development | News
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma's new anti-abortion laws will harm the state's economic development, as companies concerned about legislative interference in business decisions and fearful of lawsuits will think twice about coming, an investment group warned this week.
Oklahoma lawmakers, though, shrugged off such concerns, saying that if there's an economic price to pay for protecting unborn life, Oklahomans are willing to pay it.
Shelley Alpern, director of corporate engagement for San Francisco-based Rhia Ventures, said Oklahoma businesses should be concerned about legislators dictating what reproductive health insurance choices they offer employees. They should also be concerned about getting sued under the civil enforcement mechanisms included in the state's two latest abortion measures that ban abortions at fertilization and when a fetal heartbeat can be detected.
The measures allow any person to sue anyone who "knowingly engages in conduct that aids or abets the performance or inducement of an abortion" or intends to engage in such conduct. It specifically includes paying for or reimbursing the costs of abortion through insurance.
Whether those lawsuits would stick and whether a plaintiff would prevail against an Oklahoma company would depend on the facts of the case and whether a company has an insurance policy governed by state regulations, Alpern said. State insurance officials said about 65% of Oklahoma businesses have self-funded insurance plans largely governed by federal regulations. The remainder are governed by state regulations.
"The law that Oklahoma just passed is a very ominous signal that Oklahoma state legislators could pass even stricter legislation that would tie the hands of companies even further," Alpern said. "So if I were a business thinking about whether to expand in Oklahoma or relocate or open a new facility, that would certainly make me think twice if I wanted to offer inclusive and competitive benefits."
Rhia Ventures works with investors who are broadly invested in the stock market, own shares of publicly traded corporations all over the country and identify as environmental and social governance (ESG) investors. They also press the business case for comprehensive reproductive health care access, which includes abortion access. Their investors take a closer look at social policy and how businesses are responding to environmental, social and governance challenges in addition to looking at the traditional financial metrics.
In a letter sent earlier this year to lawmakers, the group estimated that state-level abortion restrictions cost Oklahoma more than $1.7 billion in economic losses in 2020.
Alpern said an increasing number of companies are offering more comprehensive reproductive and maternal health care policies and fertility treatment access in an effort to give them an edge in a competitive job market and to keep women in their workforce.
She said 83% of women have said that having the power to choose when to have a family has played an enormous role in their careers. When women are denied abortions, they're three times more likely to drop out of the workforce and four times more likely to end up in poverty.
"As a default, the business communities usually think of this as a social issue that they don't want to get involved in or just a very controversial moral issue that's just a headache and not a business issue," Alpern said. "But it really does have its implications."
The state Chamber of Commerce declined to comment on whether they're concerned the anti-abortion legislation could harm existing businesses or hamper recruiting efforts.
"Social issues often impact economic development in ways that we could not possibly predict," the state Department of Commerce said. "The Oklahoma Department of Commerce will continue our ongoing recruitment efforts to bring businesses, investment and jobs to Oklahoma."
State Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, who has been a vocal supporter for anti-abortion legislation, said it boils down to what Oklahomans are willing to sell themselves for and what they're willing to give up for economic investment. He also said Oklahoma should not be for sale, particularly when it comes to protecting unborn babies.
Olsen said he's heard the "claim from the left" before that businesses are not going to want to come to Oklahoma, and people aren't going to want to live there.
And while he acknowledges that there may be some people who don't want to come to Oklahoma because of its stance, the state's values could also be a draw for others.
"The flip side to remember is that there will probably also be people and businesses that want to come here … they're looking for a place of refuge, and they might find it in a place like Oklahoma," Olsen said.
Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said it will "be decided in the courtroom" whether the bills could allow an individual to sue corporations that pay for their employees to seek abortions out of state.
"I believe there is a potential viable way of doing that, but we'll have to figure out as we go forward if that's true," Treat said.
When asked about the potential effect that could have on economic development, he said, "That's not a legitimate argument against it."
"I think that protecting life, if we have to pay an economic price for that, I'm willing to pay an economic price for that," Treat said.
Janelle Stecklein covers the Oklahoma Statehouse for CNHI's newspapers and websites. Reach her at jstecklein@cnhinews.com.
Tagscommercecompanyeconomic developmenteconomicsinvestment groupjim olsenLAWoklahoma cityPoliticsrecruitmentshelley alpern
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The Srebrenica Commemoration: As it Happened
Commentary, News
July 11, 2015 by BALKANIST
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. Thousands of people gathered in the town to attend a memorial ceremony. Here's how it all unfolded, along with some of our own commentary and analysis.
15.45 CET – Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić, the international community's favorite standard-bearer of regional stability and a consummate showman, may have pulled off his best act yet today, with a scene-stealing performance in Potočari. Vučić managed not only to overshadow the somber event, which was intended to honor the more than 8,000 victims of the Srebrenica genocide, but also to position himself as the victim in the very location where the 1995 horrors occurred for which he would later provide propagandistic support as Slobodan Milošević's Minister of Information. Of course, this isn't to imply that there weren't very angry people present who attacked the Serbian premier, or that the assault on him was staged. The stone-throwing, like the rage, was directed and real, and probably should have been anticipated by those members of the international community who have stood by and showered Vučić with praise even as he has steamrolled the independent media, the opposition, and every existing check on power in his own country.
Instead, an event which should have been about the victims of genocide has been turned on its head: both the Serbian media and the international media are preoccupied with the attack on the prime minister rather than the many thousands of dead. At a hastily organized press conference following the incident at Srebrenica, Vučić said that he'd never seen "such hatred before"; the international media was quick to report that the premier, who once pledged that for every Serb killed "100 Muslims would be killed" in retribution, had endured an attack in which his glasses may have been broken. For his part, Serbian Interior Minister Nebojša Stefanović likened the incident, which involved the throwing of water bottles and stones, to an "assassination attempt" — yet the Serbian government still refuses to call the 1995 mass murder at Srebrenica a genocide.
None of this will stop Vučić from being applauded by the international community and media for his visit to Srebrenica, much as he was lauded for holding a conspicuously hooligan-free, EU-mandated pride parade in Belgrade last year. In both instances, Vučić managed to walk away not only as the West's darling, but as the victim, since the only serious injuries at the 2014 pride parade were sustained by Vučić's brother Andrej, under circumstances still shrouded in secrecy by the Serbian state.
The sentiment expressed at today's press conference, and the coming discussions about the attack on Vučić in the Serbian media and elsewhere, will only aid in the whitewashing of the premier's personal history, while generating more confusion about who is committed to regional reconciliation and who is a victim. The international media's attention to the minor assault on Vucic will only serve to deflect attention from the fact that the Serbian government lobbied Russia to veto a UN Security Council resolution on Srebrenica, so the crimes committed there will never be named for what they really are: genocide. — Lily Lynch, editor-in-chief @lilyslynch
16.37 CET – Following the attack on Serbia's prime minister, Vucic, at the commemoration ceremony, the media narrative has been dominated by this story. The concern, of course, is that this risks making an event that should have been about the victims of the massacre into a PR coup for the Serbian government. The attack allows the Serbian administration to claim it is the victim.
This is part of a pattern that Balkanist has written about before. See, in particular, this article, this article, this article, and this article.
16.37 CET – The fall-out from the attack on Vucic continues to roll in …
Vucic: "I hope no one in Bosnia really thinks they can destroy #Serbia. The only possible path is to talk & not to lynch people" #Srebrenica
— Balkanist Magazine (@Balkanist) July 11, 2015
Live stream of #Serbia's PM Vucic discussing incident at #SrebrenicaGenocide20Years commemoration: http://t.co/QprHDI86i8
PM Vucic at a presser about the incident today at the #SrebrenicaGenocide20Years commemoration:"I saw hatred which I never saw before".
16.17 CET – One event has dominated the reporting today. Serbia's prime minister, Vucic, was driven from the ceremony by a crowd throwing rocks and bottles.
#Serbia's Interior Minister @NesaStefanovic says attack on Vucic could be seen as "assassination attempt" #Srebrenica http://t.co/aKxPQf7eZo
#Serbia's Pyrrhic Veto http://t.co/EuZdRpPJJJ by @JasminMuj #SrebrenicaGenocide20Years
Banner reading "for every Serb killed, we'll kill 100 Muslims", said by #Serbia's PM Vucic in the 1990s. #Srebrenica pic.twitter.com/k7b3dD4Waz
Video: Incident involving Vucic at the #Srebrenica genocide commemoration. https://t.co/Rvi3BZnhNk
Serbian news reports on Vucic's visit to #Srebrenica: "It was very embarrassing, they threw stones, shoes, whatever they had" @Blic_online
Large banner hanging over the bridge in Mostar. #SrebrenicaGenocide20Years via @Elmit_aa pic.twitter.com/mfvmuEyExo
Comments from Serbian PM Vucic in the #Srebrenica memory book: "deep respect to the victims and their family" #Serbia
Video: Serbian PM Aleksandar Vucic arrives at the commemoration for #SrebrenicaGenocide20Years https://t.co/dGxOviJFGt #Serbia
Tags: commemoration, genocide, srebrenica
BALKANIST
Balkanist is an experimental, occasionally bilingual platform featuring politics, analysis, culture, and criticism for a smart international audience underwhelmed by what is currently on offer.Our aim is to provide bold, uncompromising coverage of the Balkan region and everything to its East.
On the EU's Birthday, Coloniality and the Politics of European Erasure
The Structure
If Bones Could Talk: Reassembling the Remains of Srebrenica
Forgotten Neighbors
Notes on a Really Lousy Memorial Service


Copenhagen is packed to the brim with great gastronomy to satify almost every tastebud out there. But some places just go that extra mile to lay down a romantic vibe. Candle-lit spaces, sharing plates and cozy secret settings is ensured in this list that's collected some of the more kissing-friendly establishments around town. So, don some fancy rugs and go have a "hygge" time in the dim lighting.


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Goldberg: Abbas accounts of departure from Safed conflict
Published: MAY 18, 2011 10:54
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's accounts of his family's departure from Palestine are contradicting, correspondent Jefferey Goldberg wrote in an Atlantic post on Tuesday.
Goldberg cites Abbas's story Wednesday in a New York Times op-ed about how he was "forced" to leave his home in Safed and compares it with an account from 2007, in which Abbas said his family left Safed voluntarily out of "general fear" that the Jews would seek revenge against the Arabs for the 1929 Arab uprising.
Based on these conflicting accounts, the Atlantic correspondent wrote "There is no particular reason to hope for a successful peace process when the leader of the Palestinians is selling a false history of Israel's independence."


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Sunny Queen Step into the Future of Ready-to-eat Egg Products
Sunny Queen Australia, officially opened its world-first production facility delivering pioneering egg products last week. The Head Office and Production Facility, launching in Carole Park, Queensland, puts a spotlight on the truly unique technology being employed by the company.
The facility develops a range of innovative, ready to serve, egg dishes that are fully cooked or pasteurised, then snap frozen, and has been hailed as a coup for driving global agricultural advances. Wiley are proud to have delivered the Production Facility portion of the project.
Following a three-month value engineering process, Wiley were appointed responsibility for design of the structural elements and also oversight of the integration of the value engineered proposals into the construction documents to help control project costs for the Production Facility. Wiley took an active role in monitoring the design with a view to identifying further cost savings throughout the project.
Wiley Managing Director, Tom was on hand to congratulate Sunny Queen Australia at the opening of their innovative meal solution facility.
" I was excited to attend the opening to celebrate with Sunny Queen Australia, hear from John O'Hara the story of the project journey from an idea to an amazing result and sample the quality products produced on site. We are pleased to have been part of a fantastic Queensland success story, having delivered the Production Facility. I offer my congratulations to John and the Sunny Queen Australia team. They are leading the way to meeting ever-increasing food demands in Australia, in Asia and globally" said Tom.
Managing Director of Sunny Queen Australia, John O'Hara, says the $40 million+ plant is the only one of its kind able to produce 1,100 tonnes of product per annum for delivery Australia wide.
"This 2,200 sm facility is a testament to all the staff who work here and the commitment to research and development with the help of the Queensland government," says Mr O'Hara. "We have spent years working on our unique processes, unmatched by any of our competitors around the world. This has seen our business flourish not only here in Australia, but to export markets who look to us to deliver good quality, tasty, safe and nutritious options to the food service market."
Sunny Queen Australia was the first Australian egg company to launch nationally across Australia, and exports its eggs and value-added Meal Solutions into Hong Kong, Macau and the Middle East.
Its Meal Solutions are a fundamental staple to commercial sectors including health and aged care services, food services companies catering for large groups such as the defence force, mining companies, workplace cafeterias and airlines.
"From small beginnings, we are now a world leader in producing a safe, convenient and tasty food for all to enjoy," says John O'Hara. "The launch of this incredible production facility continues our mission in producing quality Meal Solutions."
Explore the project HERE:


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US Secretary Of State Urges 'Flexibility' Ahead Of Russia Sanctions Vote
Issa Karake, Palestinian minister of prisoner affairs, said the payments must continue and called them "a national, social and humanitarian duty". "Those are, I would say, progressing in a positive way, but it is far too early in the process to say whether they're going to bear fruit", he said. Lire la suite »
Theresa May to return to meet Grenfell Tower victims following backlash
Earlier in the day, the 91-year-old monarch described the country's mood as "somber" but insisted that Britain remained resolute during a hard time. London has a chronic housing shortage even in the best of times, and those left homeless by the fire - already angry over what they see as government inequity and incompetence - fear being forced out of the British capital. Lire la suite »
Four countries cut links with Qatar over 'terrorism' support
The severing of ties is the most serious crisis to face the GCC. The nations have said they will refuse the Qatari airline access to their airspace. The tiny island nation of Bahrain blamed Qatar's "media incitement, support for armed terrorist activities and funding linked to Iranian groups to carry out sabotage and spreading chaos in Bahrain" for its decision.	Lire la suite »
Blumenthal Wants Sessions' Resignation if Trump Fires Mueller
Neal Katyal, the former acting solicitor general who helped write the 1999 regulations , said that while it seems extraordinarily unlikely , Trump does technically have the right to fire Mueller. SHAHEEN: And have you given the special counsel full independence from the Justice Department to conduct his investigation? He said he changed his mind because of Comey's admitted leaking, the "close" Comey-Mueller relationship and because Mueller is hiring "partisans".	Lire la suite »
Economy Boost, Airport Deal: What Northern Ireland Unionists Get From London
British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative party resumed talks on a deal to prop up her minority government yesterday as she faced a battle over her Brexit strategy just days before European Union divorce talks are due to begin. Lire la suite »
London police: 58 people assumed dead in Grenfell Tower fire
As the protesters sought to gain entry to an upper floor, police tried to bar their way. The London Evening Standard reported that hundreds of activists marched to the town hall and gathered outside the building on Friday chanting: "We want justice". Lire la suite »
May admits London fire response 'not good enough'
She faced cries of "coward" and "shame on you" as she returned Friday to meet survivors, residents and volunteers at a local church. As London Fire and Rescue Service continued their search of the building, looking for victims, the outpouring of grief mixed with anger grew. Lire la suite »
Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee slams GJM supporters, brands bandh as 'illegal'
Protests at the hill station broke out after the son of a lawmaker was arrested and a senior Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader's house was allegedly vandalised Friday night. Banerjee on Saturday teared into the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters, stating that they aren't listening to the court, even after it had passed an order citing the bandh was "illegal".	Lire la suite »
London police: 58 still missing, presumed dead from Grenfell Tower fire
It comes after furious protests erupted across the capital on Friday evening in anger at the Government and local council's response to the tragedy. Her government is also due to launch hard Brexit talks with the European Union on Monday. Earlier on Friday, May met victims privately at a central London hospital.	Lire la suite »
The Bat-Signal Will Shine In LA Tonight
The Bat-Signal was used on the show and in the comics when the Gotham City Police Department wanted to summon the Caped Crusader for help. The ceremony happened just before 9:20 p.m. Amid original Batmobiles and a crowd that numbered in the hundreds (many of whom were in costume), Mayor Garcetti flipped the switch to light up the bat signal.	Lire la suite »
Qatar push to reopen neighbors' skies to flights left unresolved
The delegation included Saudi Transport Minister Sulaiman bin Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Bahraini Transport Minister Mohammed Ahmed Kamal, UAE Civil Aviation Authority President Saif Al-Suwaidi, Egypt's Civil Aviation Authority President Hani Al-Adawi and Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation Assistant President Abdul-Hakami Al-Badr. Lire la suite »
Mistrial declared in Bill Cosby trial as jury deadlocked
The lawyers appealed for privacy for Constand and her family. "A mistrial is merely the justice system at work." the judge said . Constand says the star drugged and molested her in 2004 at his home outside of Philadelphia. As the 79-year-old comedian exited the courthouse Friday, he talked to the cameras and crowds outside. Within a few months of the alleged assault, Constand moved back to her native Canada where she lived with her mother.	Lire la suite »
Warriors in 6? NBA botches Finals pin: TMZ
The Warriors made one of the great playoff runs of all time to win the title. But unlike last year's comeback when they took advantage of Harrison Barnes' offensive struggles, Durant answered every charge during a 39-point night and Cleveland will need to find new answers if these teams meet in a fourth straight Finals next season. Lire la suite »
Secret Service: We Don't Know of Any Trump Tapes
In answering the Wall Street Journal the Secret Service said , 'In response to your request, the Secret Service has conducted a reasonable search for responsive records, ' the agency wrote. The request from the Journal sought recordings or transcripts of any recordings made after January 20 at the White House. That doesn't mean that Trump didn't record his guests himself, or enlist White House staff to do so.	Lire la suite »
Lobbyist shot is expected to make full recovery
Mr Scalise , 51, sustained injuries to internal organs, broken bones and severe bleeding after being shot in his left hip on Wednesday morning on a baseball field in a Washington suburb. The FBI and the Alexandria Police Department said in a joint statement Thursday that federal authorities had examined the rifle and handgun recovered from the scene and determined that Hodgkinson had bought them from licensed sellers.	Lire la suite »
GOP Shooter Had List of House Republicans' Names
Duncan said he told him it was a Republican ball practice, and Hodgkinson started to shoot them. Hodgkinson is accused of shooting at several members of the Republican baseball team that was practicing this week for the annual congressional baseball game played for charity. Lire la suite »
Bill Cosby trial: Judge declares mistrial after jury fails to reach verdict
Cindra Ladd, in a statement issued through her spokesman, said she takes "comfort knowing that Bill Cosby's life is now, and forever will be, a living hell". Callan said the $33.5 million awarded in the case reflected the jury's reaction to a double homicide and was larger than a potential award to someone who has civil claims against Cosby.	Lire la suite »
Confederations Cup Kicks Off In Russia One Year Ahead Of World Cup
New Zealand will kick off the 2017 Confederations Cup on Saturday, June 17 at the Krestovsky Stadium in St. Petersburg. With Putin no doubt starting to shift uneasily in his seat, Russian Federation finally broke the deadlock after 31 minutes - Denis Glushakov's delicate chip over the advancing Marinovic bundled over the line with FIFA crediting unfortunate New Zealand defender Michael Boxall with the final touch. Lire la suite »
Trump's allies question if special counsel Robert Mueller's probe is too political
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Comey had presented no evidence to prove that Moscow meddled in the USA election, adding that Washington had tried to influence Russian elections "year after year", he said. And the Daily Caller reported on Tuesday that included an interview with Mueller. The widened Russian Federation probe could have far-reaching repercussions for Trump's presidency, transforming his closest aides into witnesses and sucking yet more political oxygen out ...	Lire la suite »
Senate Overwhelmingly Passes Bipartisan Iran Sanctions Bill Targeting Revolutionary Guards
A day earlier on Wednesday, the Senate added another set of sanctions on Russian Federation for meddling in last year's usa election, its reunification with Crimea and support for Syria's government in that country's six-year-long conflict. Lire la suite »
Grenfell Tower protest spills over into the streets
A massive fire raced through the 24-story high-rise apartment building in west Lo. The blaze ripped through the building early Wednesday, trapping many residents in their homes. "The conditions inside Grenfell Tower mean that the search-and-recovery operation to find and recover the victims is extremely challenging". Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said it would be a "miracle" if anyone else were to be found alive.	Lire la suite »
President Trump appears to confirm he's under investigation with tweet
Comey testified that he requested Sessions never again leave him alone with Trump. Rosenstein prepared a memo for Attorney General Jeff Sessions back in early May, which raised repeated questions about how Comey had handled the Hillary Clinton email investigation - at first, that seemed to be the basis for Comey's firing by the President, until Mr. Lire la suite »
British Prime Minister Theresa May admits London fire response not good enough
He said: 'Sadly at this time, there are 58 people who we have been told were in Grenfell Tower on the night that are missing and therefore sadly I have to assume that they are dead '. Minutes from an emergency residents' meeting held on 17 March 2015 show that more than 100 people living in the block produced a long list of issues about the refurbishment.	Lire la suite »
Four Sit Atop a Crowded Leaderboard at US Open
You can still make birdies out there. The result of his Friday grind? Brian Harman , Brooks Koepka and Tommy Fleetwood are part of the four-way tie after each fired a 2-under 70. That doesn't sound all that impressive, right? It was a nice comeback for Casey after he triple-bogeyed the par-5 14th and shot 38 on his first nine.	Lire la suite »
58 people feared dead in London tower fire: United Kingdom police
Police broke up a scuffle between members of the crowd as the Mrs May's vehicle drove off. A man representing the group, who did not give his name, told reporters they would make a full statement "in the community ". As she met with victims of the fire, angry protesters gathered outside the church waiting for her to come out and meet them. Emergency services were called to the 24-storey residential tower block shortly before 01:00 BST on Wednesday.	Lire la suite »


DailyCandy Weddings has brought me to Carol Hannah (of Project Runway fame) and though I didn't watch the whole season, I loved her aesthetic and Charleston's vibe. And when I caught site of her lovely wedding collection, dreams of white silk and ruffles began.
Her designs are simply beautiful, and I can picture many of them suited for non-wedding occasions, in various colors and lengths.


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Ottertail man sentenced for meth
Jordan Eugene Albright, 26, of Ottertail, was sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony fifth-degree controlled substance crime. According to court records, on Dec. 14, 2018, the vehicle he was driving was pulled over by a trooper in Becker County for dark window tinting....
news/crime-and-courtsJuly 10, 2019 - 12:25pm
Moorhead woman accused of selling meth in Becker County
Ashley Ann Collins, 26, of Moorhead, was charged in Becker County District Court with felony first-degree controlled substance crime. According to court records, on Jan. 28 she was allegedly involved in the sale of 14.9 grams of meth to a confidential reliable informant with the West...
news/crime-and-courtsJuly 10, 2019 - 10:28am
DL man sentenced for selling meth
Trent Rain Poitra, 21, of Detroit Lakes has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony third-degree controlled substance crime. According to court records, on March 11, 2018, he sold just over a half-gram of meth for $20 to a confidential reliable informant with the...
news/crime-and-courtsJune 19, 2019 - 12:43am
Man sentenced for selling meth near Frazee
Jesse James Alford, 40, of Palisade, Minn,. has been sentenced in Becker County District Court on a felony charge of fourth-degree controlled substance crime. The original charge of felony second-degree controlled substance crime was reduced in a plea agreement.
news/crime-and-courtsJune 15, 2019 - 6:38am
Arrested near Richwood, man gets 18 months for meth
Anthony Lee Prellwitz, 41, of Breckenridge, has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony fifth-degree controlled substance crime. A gross misdemeanor charge of bringing contraband into jail was dismissed in a plea agreement. According to court records, at about 9...
news/crime-and-courtsJune 14, 2019 - 6:36pm
Man says he was paid $800 to deliver a quarter-pound of meth
Daniel Nunez, 30, of St. Paul has been charged in Becker County District Court with felony first-degree controlled substance crime and gross misdemeanor DWI. According to court records, shortly before 9 p.m. on April 25, he was stopped by a state trooper for speeding on Highway 59...
news/crime-and-courtsJune 3, 2019 - 9:46am
Man charged with selling 26 grams meth
Leonard Joseph Smith Jr., 38, of rural Ponsford has been charged in Becker County District Court with felony first-degree controlled substance crime. According to court records, on four occasions between Feb. 3, 2019 and April 1, 2019 he allegedly sold a total of 26.1 grams of meth...
news/crime-and-courtsJune 2, 2019 - 10:05pm
Callaway woman sentenced for meth
Natasha Louise French, 22, of Callaway has been sentenced in Becker County District Court on a felony charge of fifth-degree controlled substance crime. A misdemeanor charge of receiving stolen property was dropped in a plea agreement.
news/crime-and-courtsMay 21, 2019 - 9:46pm
Jeremy William Kohler, 45, of Detroit Lakes has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony second-degree controlled substance crime. According to court records, on Oct. 11, 2017, he was involved in the sale of 1.84 grams of meth (with packaging) to a confidential reliable...
news/crime-and-courtsMay 16, 2019 - 12:18am
Woman tased, arrested, sentenced for meth
Chelsea Ann Jensen, 28, of Breckenridge has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony fifth-degree controlled substance crime. A misdemeanor charge of fleeing a peace officer on foot was dropped in a plea agreement. According to court records, on Sept. 3, 2017, a Frazee...
Burning copper wire leads to drug charge
Chad David Fischer, 40, of Fargo has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony fifth-degree controlled substance crime. A petty misdemeanor charge of open burning of prohibited materials was dismissed in a plea agreement. According to court records, on June 28 a Becker...
news/crime-and-courtsApril 20, 2019 - 6:01am
DL woman sentenced for selling meth
Corrine Anne Devall, 31, of rural Detroit Lakes has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony third-degree controlled substance crime According to court records, on Feb. 8, 2018, she sold an undisclosed amount of meth for an undisclosed amount of money to a confidential...
Lake Park man sentenced for selling 23 grams meth
Jess Riley Johnson, 35, of rural Lake Park has been sentenced in Becker County District Court on a felony charge of first-degree controlled substance crime. According to court records, on Sept. 25, he and two women were involved in the sale of nearly 23 grams of meth for $2,000 to...
Jeremy William Kohler, 45, of Detroit Lakes has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony second-degree controlled substance crime. According to court records, on Oct. 11 he and a woman were allegedly involved in the sale of 1.94 grams of meth to a confidential reliable...


Blush pink and bursting with botanicals including rose petals and hibiscus, the famous Love Gin Gift Set is guaranteed to please.
Soft, subtle juniper, sweet vanilla and green fruits give way to a delicate, citrus and floral finish in this best-selling craft gin – which is distilled and bottled on site at the Eden Mill distillery in St Andrews, Scotland. For the perfect serve, top with rose lemonade and garnish with fresh raspberries.
Beautifully presented in our newly designed, one-off gift box.
Perfect for Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries and special occasions.


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The Most Amazing Female Voices in Saudi Arabia's Music Scene
From the mesmerizing voice of Lolo Zouai to the inimitable TamTam, Saudi Arabia has some of the most exquisite female voices.
The Middle East is as full of culture and talent as the sky is of stars including female singers in Saudi Arabia.
Okay, that is a bit of an exaggeration. However, this beautiful place, comparable to an oasis in the desert, is home to some of the world's richest cultural symbols. These symbols are not just the K.S.A.'s landmarks.
Well, the milestones are exceptional, of course, but so are the people. The Middle East has birthed some exceptionally talented people over the years. Be it science, engineering, medicine, or entertainment, Middle Easterners have conquered it all.
Recommended: Alicia Keys', 'One Night Only' Concert at Maraya in AlUla
Today, we look at the ever-dynamic field of music. Music is something that binds generations together. You might not be able to find words to express how you feel, but you will almost always find a song that will.
On that note, let us look at some female singers in Saudi Arabia that the world NEEDS to know about, who are from the region.
Most famous of all female singers in Saudi Arabia, born in the Saudi Arabian city of Riyadh, TamTam moved to Los Angeles at the age of 13.
Her parents believed that it was essential to see the world through a different lens.
We've Got Wings
This became one of the most significant sources of inspiration for her music. TamTam's single "We've Got Wings", released in 2015, helped promote a Saudi Breast Cancer Awareness organization.
Furthermore, TamTam says that she sees her music as a bridge between the Middle East and the West.
Lolo Zouaï
Born Laureen Reheba Zouaï to a French mother and an Algerian father.
This 26-year-old singer released her debut album, Highs Highs to Lows Lows in 2019.
The Guardian featured Lolo in their "one to watch" column.
In the same year, she won a Grammy for co-writing "Still Down" on H.E.R.'s self-titled album, which won the R&B Album of the Year Award.
Wafia Al Rikabi
Wafia Al-Rikabi, popularly known as just Wafia, is a 27-year-old singer from Australia of Iraqi and Syrian origin.
She was studying biomedicine at university and began writing songs because she wanted something different.
Her cover of Mario's "Let Me Love You", got almost 5 million plays on SoundCloud and basically launched her career.
Wafia has now signed on to the indie record label Future Class. Her single, "I'm Good," snagged 14th place on Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2018.
Snoh Aalegra
Snoh Aalegra (Snoh Sheri Nowrozi) was born as Shahrzad Fooladi on 13th September 1987, is based in Los Angeles, and was born in Sweden to Persian parents.
Moreover, at the young age of 13, Aalegra signed an artist development deal with Sony Music in Sweden. However, she wasn't able to release any music during this deal left Sony.
Eventually, her debut single "Hit and Run" peaked at Number 12 on the Swedish Single Charts. Aalegra takes inspiration from Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey.
Dounia Tazi
This Moroccan-American singer, songwriter, model, and activist gained popularity as an Instagram model. The 24-year-old released her first E.P., "Intro To" in 2017.
Dounia is very well-known for the body-positive content that she posted on Instagram and was a featured performer on Marian Hill's single, "Take A Number."
She was not allowed to listen to music, which made her connection to music even more profound.
Abir Haronni
Abir Haronni was born in Morocco and moved with her family to the United States at five.
She took inspiration from Egyptian singer Umm Khultum. Abir Haronni made her debut with her single "Wave", in collaboration with Masego.
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text:
#include <linux/module.h>
#include <linux/types.h>
#include <linux/kernel.h>
#include <linux/signal.h>
#include <linux/sched.h>
#include <linux/init.h>

#include <asm/thread_notify.h>
#include <asm/vfp.h>

#include "vfpinstr.h"
#include "vfp.h"

/*
 * Our undef handlers (in entry.S)
 */
void vfp_testing_entry(void);
void vfp_support_entry(void);
void vfp_null_entry(void);

void (*vfp_vector)(void) = vfp_null_entry;
union vfp_state *last_VFP_context[NR_CPUS];

/*
 * Dual-use variable.
 * Used in startup: set to non-zero if VFP checks fail
 * After startup, holds VFP architecture
 */
unsigned int VFP_arch;

static int vfp_notifier(struct notifier_block *self, unsigned long cmd, void *v)
{
	struct thread_info *thread = v;
	union vfp_state *vfp;
	__u32 cpu = thread->cpu;

	if (likely(cmd == THREAD_NOTIFY_SWITCH)) {
		u32 fpexc = fmrx(FPEXC);

#ifdef CONFIG_SMP
		/*
		 * On SMP, if VFP is enabled, save the old state in
		 * case the thread migrates to a different CPU. The
		 * restoring is done lazily.
		 */
		if ((fpexc & FPEXC_ENABLE) && last_VFP_context[cpu]) {
			vfp_save_state(last_VFP_context[cpu], fpexc);
			last_VFP_context[cpu]->hard.cpu = cpu;
		}
		/*
		 * Thread migration, just force the reloading of the
		 * state on the new CPU in case the VFP registers
		 * contain stale data.
		 */
		if (thread->vfpstate.hard.cpu != cpu)
			last_VFP_context[cpu] = NULL;
#endif

		/*
		 * Always disable VFP so we can lazily save/restore the
		 * old state.
		 */
		fmxr(FPEXC, fpexc & ~FPEXC_ENABLE);
		return NOTIFY_DONE;
	}

	vfp = &thread->vfpstate;
	if (cmd == THREAD_NOTIFY_FLUSH) {
		/*
		 * Per-thread VFP initialisation.
		 */
		memset(vfp, 0, sizeof(union vfp_state));

		vfp->hard.fpexc = FPEXC_ENABLE;
		vfp->hard.fpscr = FPSCR_ROUND_NEAREST;

		/*
		 * Disable VFP to ensure we initialise it first.
		 */
		fmxr(FPEXC, fmrx(FPEXC) & ~FPEXC_ENABLE);
	}

	/* flush and release case: Per-thread VFP cleanup. */
	if (last_VFP_context[cpu] == vfp)
		last_VFP_context[cpu] = NULL;

	return NOTIFY_DONE;
}

static struct notifier_block vfp_notifier_block = {
	.notifier_call	= vfp_notifier,
};

/*
 * Raise a SIGFPE for the current process.
 * sicode describes the signal being raised.
 */
void vfp_raise_sigfpe(unsigned int sicode, struct pt_regs *regs)
{
	siginfo_t info;

	memset(&info, 0, sizeof(info));

	info.si_signo = SIGFPE;
	info.si_code = sicode;
	info.si_addr = (void __user *)(instruction_pointer(regs) - 4);

	/*
	 * This is the same as NWFPE, because it's not clear what
	 * this is used for
	 */
	current->thread.error_code = 0;
	current->thread.trap_no = 6;

	send_sig_info(SIGFPE, &info, current);
}

static void vfp_panic(char *reason)
{
	int i;

	printk(KERN_ERR "VFP: Error: %s\n", reason);
	printk(KERN_ERR "VFP: EXC 0x%08x SCR 0x%08x INST 0x%08x\n",
		fmrx(FPEXC), fmrx(FPSCR), fmrx(FPINST));
	for (i = 0; i < 32; i += 2)
		printk(KERN_ERR "VFP: s%2u: 0x%08x s%2u: 0x%08x\n",
		       i, vfp_get_float(i), i+1, vfp_get_float(i+1));
}

/*
 * Process bitmask of exception conditions.
 */
static void vfp_raise_exceptions(u32 exceptions, u32 inst, u32 fpscr, struct pt_regs *regs)
{
	int si_code = 0;

	pr_debug("VFP: raising exceptions %08x\n", exceptions);

	if (exceptions == VFP_EXCEPTION_ERROR) {
		vfp_panic("unhandled bounce");
		vfp_raise_sigfpe(0, regs);
		return;
	}

	/*
	 * If any of the status flags are set, update the FPSCR.
	 * Comparison instructions always return at least one of
	 * these flags set.
	 */
	if (exceptions & (FPSCR_N|FPSCR_Z|FPSCR_C|FPSCR_V))
		fpscr &= ~(FPSCR_N|FPSCR_Z|FPSCR_C|FPSCR_V);

	fpscr |= exceptions;

	fmxr(FPSCR, fpscr);

#define RAISE(stat,en,sig)				\
	if (exceptions & stat && fpscr & en)		\
		si_code = sig;

	/*
	 * These are arranged in priority order, least to highest.
	 */
	RAISE(FPSCR_DZC, FPSCR_DZE, FPE_FLTDIV);
	RAISE(FPSCR_IXC, FPSCR_IXE, FPE_FLTRES);
	RAISE(FPSCR_UFC, FPSCR_UFE, FPE_FLTUND);
	RAISE(FPSCR_OFC, FPSCR_OFE, FPE_FLTOVF);
	RAISE(FPSCR_IOC, FPSCR_IOE, FPE_FLTINV);

	if (si_code)
		vfp_raise_sigfpe(si_code, regs);
}

/*
 * Emulate a VFP instruction.
 */
static u32 vfp_emulate_instruction(u32 inst, u32 fpscr, struct pt_regs *regs)
{
	u32 exceptions = VFP_EXCEPTION_ERROR;

	pr_debug("VFP: emulate: INST=0x%08x SCR=0x%08x\n", inst, fpscr);

	if (INST_CPRTDO(inst)) {
		if (!INST_CPRT(inst)) {
			/*
			 * CPDO
			 */
			if (vfp_single(inst)) {
				exceptions = vfp_single_cpdo(inst, fpscr);
			} else {
				exceptions = vfp_double_cpdo(inst, fpscr);
			}
		} else {
			/*
			 * A CPRT instruction can not appear in FPINST2, nor
			 * can it cause an exception.  Therefore, we do not
			 * have to emulate it.
			 */
		}
	} else {
		/*
		 * A CPDT instruction can not appear in FPINST2, nor can
		 * it cause an exception.  Therefore, we do not have to
		 * emulate it.
		 */
	}
	return exceptions & ~VFP_NAN_FLAG;
}

/*
 * Package up a bounce condition.
 */
void VFP9_bounce(u32 trigger, u32 fpexc, struct pt_regs *regs)
{
	u32 fpscr, orig_fpscr, exceptions, inst;

	pr_debug("VFP: bounce: trigger %08x fpexc %08x\n", trigger, fpexc);

	/*
	 * Enable access to the VFP so we can handle the bounce.
	 */
	fmxr(FPEXC, fpexc & ~(FPEXC_EXCEPTION|FPEXC_INV|FPEXC_UFC|FPEXC_IOC));

	orig_fpscr = fpscr = fmrx(FPSCR);

	/*
	 * If we are running with inexact exceptions enabled, we need to
	 * emulate the trigger instruction.  Note that as we're emulating
	 * the trigger instruction, we need to increment PC.
	 */
	if (fpscr & FPSCR_IXE) {
		regs->ARM_pc += 4;
		goto emulate;
	}

	barrier();

	/*
	 * Modify fpscr to indicate the number of iterations remaining
	 */
	if (fpexc & FPEXC_EXCEPTION) {
		u32 len;

		len = fpexc + (1 << FPEXC_LENGTH_BIT);

		fpscr &= ~FPSCR_LENGTH_MASK;
		fpscr |= (len & FPEXC_LENGTH_MASK) << (FPSCR_LENGTH_BIT - FPEXC_LENGTH_BIT);
	}

	/*
	 * Handle the first FP instruction.  We used to take note of the
	 * FPEXC bounce reason, but this appears to be unreliable.
	 * Emulate the bounced instruction instead.
	 */
	inst = fmrx(FPINST);
	exceptions = vfp_emulate_instruction(inst, fpscr, regs);
	if (exceptions)
		vfp_raise_exceptions(exceptions, inst, orig_fpscr, regs);

	/*
	 * If there isn't a second FP instruction, exit now.
	 */
	if (!(fpexc & FPEXC_FPV2))
		return;

	/*
	 * The barrier() here prevents fpinst2 being read
	 * before the condition above.
	 */
	barrier();
	trigger = fmrx(FPINST2);
	orig_fpscr = fpscr = fmrx(FPSCR);

 emulate:
	exceptions = vfp_emulate_instruction(trigger, fpscr, regs);
	if (exceptions)
		vfp_raise_exceptions(exceptions, trigger, orig_fpscr, regs);
}

static void vfp_enable(void *unused)
{
	u32 access = get_copro_access();

	/*
	 * Enable full access to VFP (cp10 and cp11)
	 */
	set_copro_access(access | CPACC_FULL(10) | CPACC_FULL(11));
}

#include <linux/smp.h>

/*
 * VFP support code initialisation.
 */
static int __init vfp_init(void)
{
	unsigned int vfpsid;
	unsigned int cpu_arch = cpu_architecture();
	u32 access = 0;

	if (cpu_arch >= CPU_ARCH_ARMv6) {
		access = get_copro_access();

		/*
		 * Enable full access to VFP (cp10 and cp11)
		 */
		set_copro_access(access | CPACC_FULL(10) | CPACC_FULL(11));
	}

	/*
	 * First check that there is a VFP that we can use.
	 * The handler is already setup to just log calls, so
	 * we just need to read the VFPSID register.
	 */
	vfp_vector = vfp_testing_entry;
	vfpsid = fmrx(FPSID);
	barrier();
	vfp_vector = vfp_null_entry;

	printk(KERN_INFO "VFP support v0.3: ");
	if (VFP_arch) {
		printk("not present\n");

		/*
		 * Restore the copro access register.
		 */
		if (cpu_arch >= CPU_ARCH_ARMv6)
			set_copro_access(access);
	} else if (vfpsid & FPSID_NODOUBLE) {
		printk("no double precision support\n");
	} else {
		smp_call_function(vfp_enable, NULL, 1, 1);

		VFP_arch = (vfpsid & FPSID_ARCH_MASK) >> FPSID_ARCH_BIT;  /* Extract the architecture version */
		printk("implementor %02x architecture %d part %02x variant %x rev %x\n",
			(vfpsid & FPSID_IMPLEMENTER_MASK) >> FPSID_IMPLEMENTER_BIT,
			(vfpsid & FPSID_ARCH_MASK) >> FPSID_ARCH_BIT,
			(vfpsid & FPSID_PART_MASK) >> FPSID_PART_BIT,
			(vfpsid & FPSID_VARIANT_MASK) >> FPSID_VARIANT_BIT,
			(vfpsid & FPSID_REV_MASK) >> FPSID_REV_BIT);

		vfp_vector = vfp_support_entry;

		thread_register_notifier(&vfp_notifier_block);

		/*
		 * We detected VFP, and the support code is
		 * in place; report VFP support to userspace.
		 */
		elf_hwcap |= HWCAP_VFP;
	}
	return 0;
}

late_initcall(vfp_init);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Life imprisonment in New Zealand
History of criminal sentence in New Zealand
Life imprisonment has been the most severe criminal sentence in New Zealand since the death penalty was abolished in 1989 having not been applied since 1957.[1] Offenders sentenced to life imprisonment must serve a minimum of 10 years imprisonment before they are eligible for parole, although the sentencing judge may set a longer minimum period or no minimum period at all (i.e. life without parole). Released offenders remain on parole and are subject to electronic tagging[citation needed] for the rest of their life.[2][dead link]
Life imprisonment in New Zealand for crimes other than murder is relatively rare. Only six life sentences since 1980 have been for crimes other than murder - one for manslaughter in 1996, and five for drug offences in 1985, 1996, 2008 (two) and 2009. In contrast, there have been 886 life sentences for murder during the same period.[3]
1 Offences
2 Life imprisonment for murder
2.1 Case law
3 Longest minimum periods of imprisonment
4 Preventive detention
Offences[edit]
Life imprisonment is the mandatory sentence for treason. It is the presumptive sentence for murder; a sentence of life imprisonment for murder is mandatory unless in the circumstances it would manifestly unjust to impose life imprisonment.
Life imprisonment is an optional sentence for the following offences:
Aircraft hijacking[4]
Class A drug dealing[5]
Manslaughter[6]
Terrorism[7]
Life imprisonment for murder[edit]
The imposition of life imprisonment for murder is codified in sections 102 to 104 of the Sentencing Act 2002.[8]
102 Presumption in favour of life imprisonment for murder
(1) An offender who is convicted of murder must be sentenced to imprisonment for life unless, given the circumstances of the offence and the offender, a sentence of imprisonment for life would be manifestly unjust.
(2) If a court does not impose a sentence of imprisonment for life on an offender convicted of murder, it must give written reasons for not doing so.
(3) This section is subject to section 86E(2).
103 Imposition of minimum period of imprisonment or imprisonment without parole if life imprisonment imposed for murder
(1) If a court sentences an offender convicted of murder to imprisonment for life it must,—
(a) if section 86E(1) does not apply to the conviction,—
(i) order that the offender serve a minimum period of imprisonment under that sentence; or
(ii) if subsection (2A) applies, make an order under that subsection; or
(b) in any case where section 86E(1) applies to the conviction, take the action prescribed by that section.
(2) The minimum term of imprisonment ordered may not be less than 10 years, and must be the minimum term of imprisonment that the court considers necessary to satisfy all or any of the following purposes:
(a) holding the offender accountable for the harm done to the victim and the community by the offending:
(b) denouncing the conduct in which the offender was involved:
(c) deterring the offender or other persons from committing the same or a similar offence:
(d) protecting the community from the offender.
(2A) If the court that sentences an offender convicted of murder to imprisonment for life is satisfied that no minimum term of imprisonment would be sufficient to satisfy 1 or more of the :purposes stated in subsection (2), the court may order that the offender serve the sentence without parole.
(2B) The court may not make an order under subsection (2A) unless the offender was 18 years of age or over at the time that the offender committed the murder.
(3-6) [Repealed]
(7) Subsection (2) is subject to section 104.
104 Imposition of minimum period of imprisonment of 17 years or more
(1) The court must make an order under section 103 imposing a minimum period of imprisonment of at least 17 years in the following circumstances, unless it is satisfied that it would be manifestly unjust to do so:
(a) if the murder was committed in an attempt to avoid the detection, prosecution, or conviction of any person for any offence or in any other way to attempt to subvert the course of justice; or
(b) if the murder involved calculated or lengthy planning, including making an arrangement under which money or anything of value passes (or is intended to pass) from one person to another; or
(c) if the murder involved the unlawful entry into, or unlawful presence in, a dwelling place; or
(d) if the murder was committed in the course of another serious offence; or
(e) if the murder was committed with a high level of brutality, cruelty, depravity, or callousness; or
(ea) if the murder was committed as part of a terrorist act (as defined in section 5(1) of the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002); or
(f) if the deceased was a constable or a prison officer acting in the course of his or her duty; or
(g) if the deceased was particularly vulnerable because of his or her age, health, or because of any other factor; or
(h) if the offender has been convicted of 2 or more counts of murder, whether or not arising from the same circumstances; or
(i) in any other exceptional circumstances.
(2) This section does not apply to an offender in respect of whom an order under section 86E(2)(b) or (4)(a) or 103(2A) is made.
Circumstances where life imprisonment might be deemed manifestly unjust include mercy killings, failed suicide pacts, and "battered defendants" who were subjected to "prolonged and severe abuse".[9]
Since the Sentencing and Parole Reform Act 2010 came into force, judges must sentence offenders to life imprisonment without possibility of parole if they have a previous conviction for a serious violent offence, unless given the circumstances it would be manifestly unjust to do so.[10] In R v Harrison, the Court of Appeal dismissed the Crown's appeal of two cases where the sentencing judges applied the manifestly unjust provision and gave the offenders life imprisonment with possibility of parole instead. The Court of Appeal ruled that imposing life imprisonment without parole in these cases would be inconsistent the right not to be subjected to disproportionately severe treatment or punishment under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, especially given one offender's previous serious violent offence was at the minor end of the scale (an indecent assault conviction for pinching a female police officer's bottom).[11]
There is no minimum age for imposing life imprisonment. The youngest people sentenced to life imprisonment in New Zealand were aged 13 years at the time of the offence.[12]
Case law[edit]
R v Williams [2005] 2 NZLR 506 – judgement providing guidance on sentencing offenders subject to the 17-year minimum period of imprisonment contained in section 104 of the Sentencing Act 2002.
Churchward v R [2011] NZCA 531; (2011) 25 CRNZ 446 – judgement providing guidance on imposing minimum periods of imprisonment when sentencing adolescent offenders.
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
Longest minimum periods of imprisonment[edit]
The longest minimum period of imprisonment on a sentence of life imprisonment is 30 years, currently being served by William Dwane Bell. No person in New Zealand has yet been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Sentences where a minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years or more has been imposed include:
Date of offence
30 years William Dwane Bell 8 December 2001 Bell killed three people, and seriously injured another person during an armed robbery at the Panmure RSA clubrooms. Bell was initially jailed for a minimum period of 33 years, which was reduced by 3 years on appeal.[13]
27 years Russell John Tully 1 September 2014 Tully entered the Ashburton Work and Income office and shot dead two staff members and attempted to shoot dead a third.[14] In addition, he also received 11 years for attempted murder and 4 years for firearms-related charges, served concurrently.[15]
26 years Graeme Burton 6 January 2007 Burton murdered during a shooting spree in the Wainuiomata hills. He had a previous murder conviction from 1992.[16] He was also sentenced to preventive detention with a non-parole period of 26 years for ten other offences committed during the shooting spree in 2007 – two of attempted murder, two of aggravated robbery, two of kidnapping, two of using a firearm against a law enforcement officer, aggravated injury and injuring with reckless disregard.[17]
26 years Paul Russell Wilson 7 April 2018 Murder of Nicole Tuxford. Wilson was convicted of murdering his girfriend Kimberley Schroder in 1994 and was on parole when he killed Tuxford. Wilson was initially jailed for a minimum period of 28 years, which was reduced by 2 years on appeal. Wilson was sent to Parwan Detention Facility in Afghanistan.[18]
25 years Bruce Howse 4 December 2001 Murder of his stepdaughters, 12-year-old Saliel Aplin and 11-year-old Olympia Jetson, at their Masterton home. Reduced from 28 years on appeal.
25 years Hayden McKenzie 1999, late 2003 Murder of James (Janis) Bambrough and Jae-hyeon Kim (two separate incidents).
24 years Tony Douglas Robertson 24 May 2014 Murder of Blessie Gotingco.[19]
23 years Jeremy McLaughlin 10 November 2011 McLaughlin strangled 13-year-old Jade Bayliss to death while burgling her Somerfield, Christchurch house, before trying to cover up the murder by setting fire to the house. He had previously been in a relationship with Bayliss's mother but the relationship broke off after conflict between McLaughlin and Jade. McLaughlin had previously been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment in Western Australia for the 1995 manslaughter of 14-year-old Phillip Vidot. In addition, he also received 8 years for burglary and 4 years for arson, served concurrently.[20]
23 years Liam Reid 15 November 2007 Murder of Emma Agnew in Christchurch. Reduced from 26 years on appeal.
23 years Jason Somerville September 2008, August 2009 Somerville killed neighbour Tisha Lowry in 2008 and his wife Rebecca Chamberlain in 2009, burying both bodies under his home in Aranui, Christchurch.[21]
21 years Kamal Gyanendra Reddy 2006 Murder of his girlfriend and her 3-year-old daughter.[22]
20 years Antonie Dixon 21 January 2003 Murder of James Te Aute. Dixon committed suicide in his prison cell on 4 February 2009.
20 years David Konia 27 May 2005 Murder of Margaret Waldin and Ted Ferguson at Ferguson's Feilding home. Konia died on 14 January 2015 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer a year earlier.[23]
20 years Mark Lundy 29 August 2000 Murder of his wife Christine and seven-year-old daughter Amber at their Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North home. Increased from 17 years on appeal. Several problems with the prosecution's evidence saw the Privy Council quash Lundy's conviction in October 2013 and ordered a retrial. In April 2015, Lundy was again found guilty of Christine and Amber's murders and re-sentenced to the original 20-year minimum imprisonment
The longest minimum period for a woman is 19 years, currently being served by Tracy Jean Goodman for the murder of pensioner Mona Morriss in the course of a burglary in Marton in January 2005.[24]
Preventive detention[edit]
There is also provision for an indefinite sentence of preventive detention, which can be given for sexual and or violent crimes that do not impose a life sentence like treason or murder (although preventative detention can be imposed alongside life imprisonment, for example, where sexual or violent crimes accompany a murder charge). Since the Sentencing Act 2002 came into force, this has been given to repeat sexual offenders and serious violent recidivist offenders. Preventive detention has a minimum period of imprisonment of five years, but the sentencing judge can extend this if they believe that the prisoner's history warrants it. The sentence of preventive detention was first introduced in the Criminal Justice Act 1954.[25]
The longest minimum period of imprisonment on a sentence of preventive detention is one of 28 years, which was given in 1984.[26]
^ "Here's What's Happening in New Zealand 25 Years After Abolishing the Death Penalty". Mic. Apr 13, 2015. Retrieved Nov 10, 2019.
^ "FAQ". New Zealand Parole Board. Retrieved 9 October 2013.
^ "Adults convicted in court by sentence type - most serious offence calendar year". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 17 March 2019.
^ Aviation Crimes Act 1972, section 3
^ Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, section 6(2)(a)
^ Crimes Act 1961, section 177
^ Terrorism Suppression Act 2002, section 6A
^ "Sentencing Act 2002 No 9 (as at 22 December 2016)". New Zealand Legislation. Parliamentary Counsel Office. 22 December 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2017. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
^ Chhana, Rajesh; Spier, Philip; Roberts, Susan; Hurd, Chris (March 2004). The Sentencing Act 2002: Monitoring the First Year. pp. 13–14. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
^ Sentencing Act 2002, section 86E
^ R v Harrison & Ors , 2016 NZCA 381 (10 August 2016).
^ "New Zealand's youngest killers". 3 News NZ. 20 December 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
^ "Record sentence for RSA murders". Television New Zealand. February 13, 2003. Retrieved 2009-03-09.
^ "Life sentence of Work and Income killer Russell Tully". 3 News. Retrieved 27 May 2016.
^ R v Tully , [2016] NZHC 1133 (27 May 2016).
^ Watts, Jerram (19 February 2010). "Burton sentenced to preventive detention". 3 News. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
^ Independent Police Conduct Authority Report into the Shooting of Graeme Burton. Wellington: Independent Police Conduct Authority. 2008. p. 45. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
^ "Double murderer Paul Russell Wilson 'unlikely to ever be released'". Stuff. Retrieved 2019-11-24.
^ R v Robertson , [2015] NZHC 1849 (6 August 2015).
^ R v McLaughlin , [2013] NZHC 2625 (9 October 2013).
^ Leask, Anna (23 May 2010). "'House of Horrors' transcript - a lurid tale of death and sex". Retrieved 26 May 2017.
^ R v Reddy , [2016] NZHC 1367 (22 June 2016).
^ King, Kathryn (21 February 2015). "Double killer David Konia's death shocks families". Manawatu Standard. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
^ "Female murderer to appeal record sentence". The Dominion Post. 7 May 2008. Retrieved 27 September 2009.
^ Gavaghan, Colin; Snelling, Jeanne; McMillan, John (2014). Better and Better and Better? A Legal and Ethical Analysis of Preventive Detention in New Zealand (PDF). University of Otago. p. 9.
^ Offenders on Indeterminate Sentences (PDF). Topic Series. Wellington: Department of Corrections. 2014. p. 5. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Life_imprisonment_in_New_Zealand&oldid=932023560"
Life imprisonment by country
Law enforcement in New Zealand
Sentencing (law)
Articles with dead external links from August 2019
Incomplete lists from January 2017