In an extraordinary move FJ's producer has been arrested by a squad set up after the Lint Cafe seige.

This is a deeply concerning abuse of power by a politician who has been repeatedly accused of corruption.

Whatever side of politics people are on this kind of shutting down of free speech should be called out as undemocratic and unacceptable.

http://youtu.be/OXtq4a8829g

Dear Steele,

We'll have to wait and see how this develops.

It will be interesting to see if the charges of
stalking and intimidation can be proven beyond
a reasonable doubt. If the bar is set too low there
will be a serious risk to free speech and
democracy. If it can be proven the penalty carries
with it a five year imprisonment.

Friendly Jordies is a political, satirical, commentation.
And they are entitled to free speech. What they are
not entitled to do is harrass, stalk, or viciously
pursue any target and cause them undue stress.
Remember Princess Diana and the media?

There needs to be a line that is not crossed - even
when dealing with corrupt politicians.

Anyway, we'll have to wait and see how it all pans out.

Whether the police over-stepped their duty is another
question that needs to be asked. Did the producer
Kristo Langker meet the criteria required to make
the arrest? Or did the NSW Fixated Persons Unit over
step the mark?

SR has suddenly discovered the need for free speech after opposing it for so long!!

Dear Foxy,

On the evidence presented this is an absolute abuse of power. The Chasers were far more in the face than Kristo's was in the 2 times he approached the deputy Premier. Crikey has done a decent write up here.

http://www.crikey.com.au/2021/06/17/fixated-persons-unit-friendlyjordies/

Dear shadowminister,

From memory I objected to the Lindt Street gunman sending letters to the widows of servicemen while you upheld his right to do so.

This is very different.

Dear Steele,

Thank You for the link. It does appear that this
was an abuse of police power. Raiding the producer's
home and taking him away in an unmarked police car
to spend time in jail is extreme. And unusual.
They need to explain their actions. This matter
should have been handled in the courts.

SR,

I defend the right to free speech, you however only do so when politically expedient.

If the arrest of this fellow is purely a free speech issue, then this is clearly an abuse of power. However, if he was physically threatening someone, then it was not.