I have received very many messages waiting for my take on the Alex Salmond acquittal. There is much to say and a need to take serious decisions about exactly when to reveal various crucial elements of information, because while the truth is vital, there can be a legitimate question at which moment it does most good. The most stunning information is in danger of being swamped by COVID-19 at the moment.
Secondly, you will not perhaps be surprised to hear that there has been some serious happiness in the Murray household today. This subject is best tackled stone cold sober.
It is tonight worth reflecting that people seeking to still cast aspersions are attacking the jury, who were diligent and contained nine women whom they are disparaging. Nine women on a jury drawn from No voting Edinburgh. A jury who for the last few years have been, like everybody else, indoctrinated with the rubric that it is a terrible moral wrong to doubt the word of an accuser making any sexual allegation #Ibelieveher.
I was worried that this was James Stewart of the Glen before a jury of Campbells all over again, but this jury looked carefully at the actual evidence before them, evidence that was – and still is now post verdict – in no way reflected fairly in the highly selective coverage of the mainstream media. That jury came to the only decision available to honest and sensible people.
But I want to make one thing quite clear. This is not a case where the major accusations failed because of the difficulty of proving what happened with two people alone in a room. In such cases it is often right to feel real and profound sorrow for the accuser with no means of proof. This was a case where there was very real evidence, from third party after third party, of certain accusers telling definite and deliberate lies. A case where eye witnesses stated categorically that claimed events did not happen. A case where eye witnesses testified people were not physically present when claimed. A case where witnesses testified that reports had not been made, and policies not instituted, as claimed by the prosecution.
A limited amount of evidence was also heard of some of the accusers conspiring together with others, including through a Whatsapp group created for the specific purpose, to fabricate and forward those lies. The vast bulk of evidence on this specific issue of conspiracy was excluded by the court both in pre-trial hearings and by dismissal of witnesses or evidence in the trial itself but, as Alex Salmond indicated from the court steps, will be out in due time.
It is also important to note that two thirds of the accusers – and indeed precisely those two thirds who were involved in lies, fabrications and conspiracy – were and are senior members of the SNP, very much part of the party machine, very much close to the leadership and especially involved in the non-independence related agenda that has taken over the party. With one exception, they are in highly paid party nominated jobs now with the tab picked up by the taxpayer. What we learned in the trial about careerism and self-promotion among those earning a very fat living out of the party’s current domination of Scottish politics was really very unedifying indeed.
That a party which has such a wonderful and committed membership – a membership who make me proud to be a member alongside them – should play host to a parasitic and highly paid professional elite with no discernible interest in Independence is a truly remarkable phenomenon. What we saw revealed in court was a procession of members of the political class who would just have happily have made their careers in the old corrupt Scottish Labour Party if it was still in charge. A major, major clearout is needed.
Now where did I leave my Lagavulin? For once, I feel I have deserved it.
This article is entirely free to reproduce and publish, including in translation, and I very much hope people will do so actively. Truth shall set us free.
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It had been my feeling that the huge growth in membership of the party had attracted a lot of professional political managers and that had a dragging effect on what the party was doing. On the other hand the present FM herself is too straightforward for all these machinations, if she had a beef with Alex she would just say it.
If Scotland truly wants to be free of Westminster then Alex Salmond with the gravitas, competence and experience required is the only way forward. Looking from the English side of the border, Sturgeon comes over as a self-serving career civil servant just like Theresa May who never had any intention of getting Brexit done. The SNP needs a clear-out or even better, Scotland needs a new political party with a leader committed to independence and clear thinking on how that can be achieved.
Is that th4 Salmond who fucked it up last time? How could the Snats have not expected questions about the £, NATO and Europe?
I have been a member of the SNP since 1983 and have watched it change, indeed, morph to the party it is today. In Dumbarton we struggled, with very good, principled individuals, against a Labour Party machine that was powerful, but also corrupt to the core, and this permeated to all levels of local government. Nepotism, jobs-for-the boys (and, latterly, girls) were the order of the day. Sadly, things on that level haven’t changed much: look at Glasgow City Council! As our message has attracted more support amongst the populace, especially post-2014, some self-serving careerists have seized the opportunity to enrich themselves by parroting the buzz words and jargon of political correctness on gender politics and other irrelevant twee topics that only obsess a tiny proportion of the population. We shouldn’t slap ourselves on the back because of what have been, admittedly, very impressive election results. As a voter said to me recently, many people voted SNP only because the alternatives were even worse. I would like to see a new leader emerge in the coming years whose priorities are jobs and the economy, not whether trans people should use ladies lavatories. In other words they should wake up and small the coffee!
What a brilliant post !
The SNP are finished after this when the truth comes out and the closeness to Sturgeon becomes clear.
I for one have resigned for now and will make my decision to return based on whether the treat Salmond with the respect he deserves and the cabal are ousted. Many others are in the same boat as me.
The best Salmond can do now is rise up in a truly pro-independence party whilst destroying teh SNP at the same time
Hi Craig, thanks again for your posts and your take on events which help many of us with no direct political experience to try and navigate the goings on at these levels.
Never, until the independence referendum, had I been inclined to join a political party. It was, however, with enthusiasm and optimism that I became an SNP member to fully embrace the hope of Scotland becoming an independent nation again. Sad therefore today to say I am no longer a member and that’s because I lost confidence in the unity of the party and to even question our FM. But it would appear that my gut feelings were right and that the direction of the party could not be trusted which is no comfort but a serious disappointment. The innocence of AS is a real positive outcome as the man is a political giant among the dregs that make a living there today, but the truth is that I will never again be a political party member because I have no trust in any of those governing us today.
It was however also very positive to see you reach for the Lagavulin because I always knew we had something more than independence in common, cheers enjoy! ?
That is why I have never joined a political party. Even in my enthusiastic youth when many of my friends predicted a career in politics for me (I was very good at debating, including impromptu). But I watched as people compromised supposedly dearly held principles when the party required it of them and concluded that by not joining it prevented the inevitable unpleasantness when we had to part company since if your principles are for sale they are not actually principles.
I value being able to look myself in the eye in the mirror of a morning and I’ve gotten to 54 and can still do it.
This piece of pure venom from the BBC must be challenged. I will submit a complaint to them on the tone and vocabulary of the piece but I think it needs a professional challenge.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52010117
Really? Curiosity got the better of me, and I read the article that your link led me to, but I fail to see any venom? Alex Salmond is my number one political hero, and I rejoice in his acquittal, but I honestly can’t understand what you are on about?
“ I fail to see any venom?”
——
What was pure conjecture in the final sentence of my own reply to Grouser has firmed up into an actual hypothesis.
Yes I struggled to find the supposed venom too. Perhaps it was edited out later?
If you think that is bad check out the piece in “Guardian Scotland” by Severin Carrell and Libby Brooks. It is clearly a pre- prepared hatchet job, with minimum tweaks, in anticipation of GUILTY verdicts that never came.
STOP PRESS
I have just re-read the piece and it has been heavily redacted and edited overnight- possibly for fear of a defamation suit. The tone has been altered out of all recognition.
The original, I assure you, thoroughly vindicates CM’s claim above:
“….this jury looked carefully at the actual evidence before them, evidence that was – and still is now post verdict – in no way reflected fairly in the highly selective coverage of the mainstream media.”
It might be worthwhile, Grouse, to check out the BBC material to see if a similar operation has happened.
I have just re-read the piece and it has been heavily redacted and edited overnight – possibly for fear of a defamation suit. The tone has been altered out of all recognition…
That’s interesting. I think I read the original version. It was a sickening 1500-word rehash of the whole prosecution case, without a mention of any of the defence at all. Unfortunately I didn’t archive the web page. I didn’t expect the Guardian to change it, as I thought they could operate pretty much with impunity nowadays. But I did copy the full original text into a Word document. So I can use track changes to see exactly what was altered. I’ll check it out later.
It would be interesting to see that Stonky, – and may be of even more interest to Mr Salmond’s legal team!
Thanks Stonky
I too would be very infested in seeing it.
Follow changes to news stories here :
https://www.newssniffer.co.uk
It is also searchable:
https://www.newssniffer.co.uk/versions/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=Alex+Salmond&commit=+Search+
not all stories are archived (unfortunately)
https://www.newssniffer.co.uk/versions
This might help
Cynicus is this the article you are referring to:
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/mar/23/salmonds-victory-in-court-leaves-questions-over-role-of-snp
It’s a pretty nasty hatchet job but as far as I can see it hsn’t been altered. Unless there was an even worse previous version that I didn’t see.
Many thanks, Stonky
Your link IS the hatchet job I referred to.
I withdraw The charge of overnight alteration. I compared apples with oranges. I was fooled by the same bylines in two different pieces; here is the one I claimed was “toned down”:
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/mar/23/alex-salmond-acquitted-of-all-charges-in-sexual-assault-trial
I speed -read what purports to be a factual report that, despite its editorialising, does not come close to the hatchet job we both deplore.
Ok Cynicus. Thanks for letting me know. I’m glad I took the time to check before I mounted on my high horse and went off on a Twittertilt at windmills. I could have made a bit of a twat of myself. By the way do you / did you used to post as Cynicus on the Scotsman?
“By the way do you / did you used to post as Cynicus on the Scotsman?” – Stonky at 15.13
————
Guilty as charged, m’ lud
When I read it this morning it just had Libby Brooks byline on it. Severin had been taken off. Met him in the referendum, he insulted a householder on his own doorstep while we were waiting for filled in voter reg forms. I saw the guy’s fists clench. He was very lucky not get lamped. The entire episode of our lunchtime canvass never made it into the Graun. This is the Yes City, probably not enough Unionist quotes for oor Sevy.
Later on a French journo from Liberation shadowed us in Dundee RIC for a day and interviewed each of us. A much better journo in my opinion.
No venom apparent to me either. An objective report from Mr Sim. .
Follow changes to news stories here:
https://www.newssniffer.co.uk
It is also searchable:
https://www.newssniffer.co.uk/versions/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=Alex+Salmond&commit=+Search+
Not all stories are archived (unfortunately)
These snp traitor who whear involved in slanderous precedents agents Mr salmon can the be named and shamed so as the people can not realect them
As you rightly say Craig with regards to the information that keeping the powder dry for now is the right way forward.
How to convince the majority of SNP supporters that a clear out is required if we are to become a independent nation must be at the forefront when the time comes.
Excellent news that Alex Salmond has been acquitted on all charges. But it is truly damning that the stitch-up had as its ultimate aim to have him thrown in prison — that is truly unforgivable and I hope he throws everything he possibly can at those who conspired to make things so. What a dreadful, dreadful predicament to be placed in.
As to the upper echelons of the SNP it’s time they were all kicked out of the party. I have had huge misgivings over Sturgeon and the shady way she constructed and introduced the Growth Commission Report overseen by the appointee corporate lobbyist Andrew Wilson, that was an affront to common decency and said volumes about where Sturgeon is at. Now that this sinister plot to destroy Salmond is out in the wild I look at a picture of Sturgeon and feel nothing but a most gut wrenching revulsion for all she stands for. At least she has been flushed out into the open as the malignant, vicious, lacking in integrity creature that she truly is at heart. The sooner she gets ditched along with her ne’r do well pension-watching chums the better. Scotland deserves better than that and better than them! We will never get our independence while she and her career-watching affines are in control. Time for a clear-out!
Wow!
Everything that you accuse Sturgeon of might turn out to be true, but don’t you think that she should be afforded the same assumption of innocence that we all requested for Alex Salmond? That diatribe is no better than the snide assumption of Salmond’s guilt that many unionist trolls adopted. Can we please maintain at least a modicum of restraint?
You may have inside information that the rest of us are not privy to, but your post gives no indication of that.
That level of bile is distasteful (IMO)
She conspired with the complainers, ffs.
Alex Birnie – look – I’m a unionist. I did not like the way that Salmond tried to break up the UK. The whole independence referendum campaign only served to sow poison and vitriol – politically I am strongly opposed to Salmond.
Nevertheless, it became completely clear during the trial, simply from the (lack of) evidence presented by the prosecution, the contradictions in the prosecution case that absolutely everything that Peter N wrote is true.
Either you are being paid by Sturgeon to write such drivel, or else you are living in a dream world.
I want to see the independence movement defeated – I want to see this happen on the arguments and not by dirty tricks. Peter N’s assessment is right on the button.
I could not agree with you more. While I thought Lady Dorrian did a fine job, it was a disgrace that these allegations even made it to court….and I am neither a Scottish nationalist nor a great fan of AS. Nevertheless what he has been put through is appalling. His lawyers should also be taking a close interest in a number of London-based political websites where despite him being fully vindicated, snide innuendo to the contrary is widespread.
“Everything that you accuse Sturgeon of might turn out to be true, but don’t you think that she should be afforded the same assumption of innocence that we all requested for Alex Salmond? ”
So, once accusations (now vague) are in place, they should resign from the party and fight to clear their names, if possible?
The thing I find hard to understand is : how on earth did these women think they would get away with telling lies? Did they imagine no witnesses for the defence would be brought in to contradict their testimony? Or did they just say to themselves :”It’s worth a try, and since we’ll be anonymous we’ve nothing to lose?”
I think Craig has answered this (to some extent). The allegations were never intended to fall into the hands of Polis Scotland.
The allegations were to be held in a file in SNP headquarters, to be used only if Salmond attempted a comeback. This aspect is clear from the testimony in Court. If Salmond submitted himself as a candidate, headquarters would contact the branch and warn of “worrisome allegations in secret files”.
The stories were shoddily flung together with repeated use of curious wording among the conspirators (shots of wine) because they weren’t supposed to be forensically dissected in a Court of Law.
The existence of the conspiracy in the form of the Whatsapp group was only uncovered by the Polis when the conspirators phones were examined (I don’t know how Craig is sure of this aspect). When the Polis uncovered the internal SNP allegations, the conspirators were compelled to stand by them or face possible repercussions.
In short, the conspirators were too clever by half.
Genius has its limitations, stupidity is not thus encumbered.
It is not beyond possible that British Establishment efforts went in to encourage Polis Scotland to dig, dig, dig and get Salmond. Chief Officers hope for honours which makes them susceptible to blandishments to that end. Which is why we need out of the UK with our own, sensible honours system and well shot of the corrupt HoL.
I’m not especially fond of unicameral legistlatures, I grew up in NZ in one and it causes problems. Partly why we forced them to hold a referendum on PR voting and forced MMP on them. Almost banished single party rule which was the rule pretty much with FPTP. Tiny shifts in marginal seats decided elections.
If we are to have an upper chamber it shoudl be an elected Senate type thing. Perhaps with a term limit on Senators.
Why have an honours system at all? The Republic of Ireland avoided replicating the Anglo model (presumably acknowledging the rot that inevitably sets in). No honours in the Republic and any citizen offered an honour from a third country (Bob Geldorf for example) must seek permission from the Dail before accepting. Some sentiment towards honouring sporting heros but FF and FG are incapable of reaching agreement.
Have no knowledge of unicameral legislatures. Personally I blame the Romans for the two house system. It naturally suits the PTB and the Roman precedent provides cover. “We’re just following tradition.”
“worrisome allegations in secret files”.
Ah, the good old Dreyfus second dossier ploy, haven’t seen that for a while.
Jane
In a word,yes.
Once again Craig, you stand head and shoulders above the general run of the populace, a paragon of integrity and truth. How valued your comment. Well done in all respects.
“members of the political class who would just [as] happily have made their careers in the old corrupt Scottish Labour Party”
What an utterly damning thing to say. Keep up the pressure, Mr Murray!
I think the independence ambition is daft but let it at least be advanced by honest people.
Daft is wanting to be ruled in perpetuity by the likes of Cameron/Osborne, Bozo/Cummings, etc, if you don’t have to be.
Well said, Carl.
Carl – is Nicola Sturgeon an improvement? Really?
Not if you’re a Tory boy James.
Carl – they’re all the same – Blair, Brown, Cameron, Osborne, May, Johnson, Sturgeon.
You solve absolutely nothing by independence (except that we stop blaming Westminster and have to blame ourselves).
By the way – I’m not a Tory.
I can’t help thinking that this is true, the ongoing failure of the Labour party in Scotland led to the careerists to pitch there tents in the SNP camp.
Can’t agree that the judge was fair, she should have thrown out the case at some point, not letting it drag on when there were so many improbabilities. A second case down south sound more sinister, I wonder, if it gets to court, which hanging judge will be selected for the farce.
Thank you Craig for, as always, a clear and crisp summary. I have feared for some years that there may be/probably is a 5th Columnist cadre in the party just like the character Murdo in Richard Drysdale’s novel State of Emergency.
I have no evidence to support the thesis but I remain deep in my core convinced Blair and Brown were planted in the Labour party to deliberately bring it to the right. So far right as to be indistinguishable from the Tories. If I was leading the establishment its what I would have tried to do.
She didn’t last long at each place.
‘ Sturgeon completed her legal traineeship at McClure Naismith, a Glasgow firm of solicitors, in 1995. After qualifying as a solicitor, she worked for Bell & Craig, a firm of solicitors in Stirling, and later at the Drumchapel Law Centre in Glasgow from 1997 until her election to the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicola_Sturgeon
Who is Nicola Sturgeon? A profile of the SNP leader
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-25333635
Our old friend, Philip Sim, authored it in 2017. Note how much Nicola’s hair and appearance has changed.
I did; five minutes after she got the gig she turned into middle-aged Barbie. Perfect image to run a colony for London.
I have said over the past few years I suspected infiltration at the highest level this was far worse than the Judas kiss it came as a direct order from the British Establishment ”get Alex Salmond” but it was so amateurish must have been wet behind the ears new recruits but they all tried to destroy a good man and his family now Karma will step in and expose everyone of this treacherous crew!
A bunch of mindless jerks who will be the first against the wall when the revolution comes.
Ordinary people on juries are a lot more savvy than they are credited.
I served on a jury years ago, and some of the best input was from the more “ordinary” members.
Kaiama, yes I think that is a very valid observation.
According to Mr Pau!,’s Times this morning. Alex Salmond’s enemies are not yet done with him.The headline says, “Cleared Salmond faces further inquiry after claims by women.”. The story says that at least another four women made complaints to detectives about Mr Salmond’s alleged behaviour in London. lt says officers are now able to consider the claims, said to relate to Mr Salmonds two stints as an SNP MP.
.
I agree. I’ve done jury service four times and only one person in one jury did not take it utterly seriously, determined to do the right thing, and they were sorted out by the others in the jury. Here’s a thought: why don’t we apply the same principle to selecting MPs? It would eliminate corruption simply because there would not be enough time to buy-off any MPs before the next fresh lot arrived. I don’t go with the argument that MPs/Ministers are somehow especially educated to the role. I briefed Ministers for many years as a civil servant and while most of them understood party politics I don’t recall many if any of them holding any special knowledge of the subjects they were given to deal with. And their understanding was of course blunted by the party line they were required to apply to it.
“Here’s a thought: why don’t we apply the same principle to selecting MPs?”
Because of the party system, I think. When parties are allowed, they quickly become professional, wealthy and deeply entrenched. Independent candidates have little or no chance of being elected.
I would like to see all political parties made illegal, under severe penalties. They are essentially a conspiracy.
Agree, about them being essentially a conspiracy. Each MP therefore has much to lose by standing against the party line: career, income, kick-backs, status, etc, etc. Just one example of this is the way more money for the Royals is often waved through Parliament by people mostly keen to get further up the honours list. I became a government whistle-blower which led to me losing my job; however, I was past retirement age anyway and while I was threatened with my pension being taken away, good legal advice told me this was unlikely. I can’t say if I’d have blown the whistle if I was twenty years younger with a mortgage and kids. All of which would seem to support the jury-system method of finding MPs: say 4 years in the job then back to your old one. Then we might see more open challenge in Parliament.
I do enjoy your take on the Salmond case, and your honesty on the present toxic elements within in the SNP. Your well worth £2 a month happy to keep paying Craig, keep up the good work. Murder in Samarkand is a cracking read.
Just as in the case of the trial, let’s not predetermine the reasons nor guilt of anyone until the evidence is out there.
Alex has said he will lay bare the political machinations that have aimed at him over the past two years etc, to go off half cocked now just gives impetuous to the unionist press that we are falling apart.
I too, like you Craig, believe there are people within the party who can not be fully trusted but let’s wait until they are flushed out before destroying what we’ve got unintentionally because the wound is still raw.
Thanks however for you intuitive insight throughout this time.
I agree we need evidence before any action is taken
I do believe @NicolaSturgeon must have been in a terrible position
No matter which way she acted she was in a difficult position
If she had not stood back and acted she would have been accused of protecting Alex
That would not have helped Alex or SNP
If she had backed him she would have done him and the party harm
As long as she was not involved in the cabal which tried to take him down I will be happy
Enormous congratulations to you, Craig. Your determination during both this and the Assange trials is truly stunning, and I never say that lightly. It goes without saying that your name will be mud, if it wasn’t before, with certain elements of the SNP leadership, as it is with the govt surveillance agencies; which is pretty much a sure sign you are being effective. You’re right of course to delay release of information until it is legally safe to do so, and for the right political moment: Covid and all. But the leadership of the SNP and the MSM will be hoping that takes at least 2 weeks, what with everything at the moment, and in two weeks time this can and will be presented as Old News. It may be non-UK sites might release names, thus entering them into the public domain. Perhaps. Well done anyway. Cannot say that enough.
Its endemic in politics, but to advance into office an unpopular party will need to change its tune, or add to its tune, and in so doing will attract members and opportunists who like the new rather than old tune and very much like the trappings of office.
Hence the SNP hasn’t offered genuine independence for many years, but has attracted a crop of ‘progressive left’ types who think nationalism is racist, hence why they are lukewarm, but more likely embarrassed, on the idea of independence, unless its a ‘me too’ variety, which enables them to turn on AS, but isn’t a creed that motivates a people who identify as a nationality and want independence.
You deserve a dram or three, Craig.
The FM has been excellent in dealing with the current health crisis. She should continue to do so as FM until the outbreak is passed its peak. The FM must then consider her position if facts emerge that prove any incompetence or conspiracy on her part regarding the Salmond trial.
To be honest I think she should resign for the good of the party but more importantly the good of the independence movement. Obviously those party administrators who acted in an egregiously unfair way towards Mr Salmond must be fired.
A new pro-indy party will take years to establish itself; far better to keep a SNP party cleansed of all politically dubious elements.
I believe Alex Salmond has a positive role to play – yet again – in the SNP and independence movement. Yesterday’s verdict has brought independence closer.
To quote Kinky Friedman, “Politics comes from the Greek where poly means many and ticks are a blood sucking parasite.”
Best of luck persuading Nicola & Peter from releasing their grasp.
Also my personal favourite comment on Western “democracy” (which Aristotle correctly identified as plutocracy):
“I suggest limiting all elected officials to just two terms – one in office and one in prison”.
A fellow admirer of The Kinkster? 😉
I wish I could afford to give Mr Murray a barrel of Ardbeg…
As his application for bail begins tomorrow, a few thoughts from Julian Assange last night, via Yannis Varoufakis: https://www.yanisvaroufakis.eu/2020/03/24/last-night-julian-assange-called-me-here-is-what-we-talked-about/
Thanks for that!!
Thanks from me too J…For the new on Julian.
Glad to see Alex Salmond has been acquitted. It must have been a dreadful experience for him and his family, dragged out over a long period.
There is a lesson for all of us, but particularly for politicians.
.
The innocent ‘slap and tickle’ at the company booze up, an amusing if risque remark, or relaxed familiarity with colleagues one considers to be friends, – each instance can be accumulated, stored for as much as a decade and then revived when convenient. All insignificant tiny threads woven into a rope that drags one before the courts. Most of us need never think about such things, but politicians have to beware.
They already know, or should know, that every phone conversation, text or chat COULD be recorded and quoted or misquoted out of context; their words twisted to misrepresent the reality. But now it seems even when with their ‘friends’, their team players or anyone, they must never let the guard down and show anything close to affection. Sad really.
“The innocent ‘slap and tickle’ at the company booze up, an amusing if risque remark, or relaxed familiarity with colleagues one considers to be friends…”
Quite sufficient reason not to have a “company booze up” – or any “company events” disguised as social occasions.
You go to work to work. Your social life begins when work is done. Don’t allow soulless corporations to exploit your natural sociability and altruism to squeeze still more juice out of your soul. They pay for your work, and that’s all they should get.
I believe all men from now on should be on their guard
#METOO has gone #TOOFAR in my view
I am English but delighted at the news about Alex Salmond – a man I at first found hard to warm to but gradually came to admire for his determination and convictions.
Congratulations on your coverage of his case and the outcome, Craig. A shaft of light in these darkest of times.
Why jury trial remains so so important.
I still don’t know why these women aren’t charged with perjury. They lied under oath ffs.
We will never see that but we should
It’s early days. I don’t know what the statute of limitations is for perjury, but the authorities can take their time collecting evidence for the inevitable indictments.
Good point, but this would be seen as a hindrance to legitimate complaints of a sexual nature, as women would feel that not only are they up against trying to prove they were attacked, but also face being ‘counter charged’ if they can’t!
What should happen is that there must be a full public investigation into how this all came about, with the option that should any collusion between these ‘witnesses’ be found, that criminal charges be brought against them.
Otherwise, the damage that these women will do to legitimate victims of sexual assault, will be huge.
At this time of crisis let us show our solidarity, let us show our resolve, and let every one who has a Scottish Saltire display it from there house, their flat, their car.
A small and simple thing to do but in doing so we can in a sea of blue and white send a message to say that we are not alone, that we are united, and that together we will beat this virus.
Fly the Saltire like you’ve never flown it before.
I agree
What with the Scottish diaspora, maybe field a candidate south of the border! Make our presence known.
cheers!
Watt
Logical constituency would be Berwick. The candidate can promise “Scottish” rights (education, health) since it is by rights Scottish territory. (Of course you’d need the backing of the timorous SNP, unfortunately.) That should put a cat among the pigeons!
Is it tru that Alex faces more charges in Westminster
Up to four women have supposedly made complaints against Salmond with regards to his time as an MP, according to the Times newspaper.
I’d imagine this was held in reserve, in the event that Alex Salmond was acquitted in Scotland.
Next you’ll see accusations from anywhere in the UK that Salmond visited during his time as a politician, the British state reallyvwant him out of the way, they fear greatly he’ll lead Scotland to independence, and tell a few truths along the way.
No if they were offences committed in England he’d have to be tried in England under English law. If anything news of them would have been suppressed until after the Scottish trial for fear of influencing it, or being seen to influence it.
The last time a Scottish hero faced charges in England, he was hung, disemboweled and quartered after a mock trial.
Hail Craig – been out in the bush a few days and tired on return – so did not check your post till last evening. Then despite my tiredness I just did not sleep well – the cause being you and your family’s well being. A public trial in GB and you’re banned from the public gallery by the state! Nah -no charge-no chance- no evidence just someones’ “say so”. Intimidation will not work – don’t back down. We gonna stand by you man. People for truth rise up- humanity for peace lets support Craig yeah and Julian too. Peace
“The most stunning information is in danger of being swamped by COVID-19 at the moment…”
As is literally evwerything else important.
It seems that 2020 is turning out to be a very good year for burying bad news. By pure good (or bad) luck, of course.