for as often as i call the u.s. a police state…

British Prime Minister Tony Blair plans to push through a new anti-terrorism law before he steps down next month giving “wartime” powers to police to stop and question people, a newspaper reported on Sunday.

…snip…

The “stop and question” power would enable police to interrogate people about who they are, where they have been and where they were going, The Sunday Times said. Police would not need to suspect a crime had taken place.

If suspects failed to stop or refused to answer questions, they could be charged with a crime and fined, The Sunday Times said. Police already have the power to stop and search people but have no right to ask them their identity and movements.

my oft-opined views on the erosion of privacy rights can found here, here, here, and elsewhere. i’m feeling too disheartened to work up a proper rage

(thanks andy)

the clash – police and thieves

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