Man charged with having book

[Peter Layman]

2 hours ago, Chinahand said:

Thus is on sale in my local Waterstones:

The SAS Pocket Manual: 1941-1945 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1472841425/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_BAR0EJT1NFYV40HTC76G

The law is an ass, and is too blunt an instrument to distinguish the subtle differences between possession of material likely to be useful to a terrorist and material likely to be interesting to a geek. The difference isn't in the material but the mind of the person collecting it and making the law distinguish thought crimes is a terrible precedent. It needs reforming. 

There are enough walters going around claiming to be ex-SAS without giving them a bloody book

[the stinking enigma]

Been like that for years. I remember discussing this with johnny chalkie and georgie right before we stormed the iranian embassy.

[La_Dolce_Vita]

On 10/19/2021 at 11:21 AM, Chinahand said:

It is a crime to possess material likely to be of use to a terrorist. 

It's a huge catch all. 

I wonder how many ex-Squaddies have kept their field guides and handbooks too. 

Frankly, I'm a bit disturbed by these sorts of powers. Various academics could be caught up by it. And a law which has an exception for Professor Jeeves is a pretty poor one and there is a huge risk Professor Khan could be at risk of double standards while countless nerds are criminalised for being over curious. 

It's a sad reflection on our society but gives coppers a simpler way to use the system to criminalise people they are suspicious of. 

Slippery slope anyone?

i am trying to recall now what the scope of the legislation was but I think all this came in following 11 September attacks where the US and UK exploited the circumstances to introduce laws or change laws all in the name of protecting the public but at great cost our rights.  A lot of stuff in those Patriot is still active.  Not sure how things compare in the UK.  Difficult to get rid of these laws now.