OAP is not a terror threat as police accused of 'intimidation' against Palestine activist
The UK Government's controversial decision to proscribe Palestine Action is set to be tested after a High Court ruling last week allowing an appeal to go ahead.
In the meantime, the police have a duty to uphold the law. But Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell also has operational independence in relation to how her stretched resources are deployed.
In that context it is difficult to understand how sending officers to check up on a 78-year-old seven times in one week to 'remind them of bail conditions' is a good use of those resources. It seems highly unlikely that Mick Napier – a long-term activist on Palestine – is a genuine threat to national security.
He was arrested after wearing a T-shirt that said: ' Genocide in Palestine. Time to take Action.' Criminality is unacceptable but it is also crucial that people have the right to demonstrate against the catastrophic human suffering in Gaza.
Meanwhile, people struggle to find a policeman if their home is broken into, they're mugged on the street or they spot antisocial behaviour.
Farrell should explain why she believes checking up on pensioners is the best use of her already-stretched staff's time. If not, people will rightly ask whether the priority here is upholding the law or stifling legitimate political expression.
New drug a deadly risk
Scotland's horrifying drug deaths epidemic remains the worst in Europe.
There have been hopes the picture is slowly changing with small improvements in our fatality rate in recent years. However, the rise of deadly synthetic opioids in street heroin threatens a return to spiralling deaths.
We have told today how a new superstrong lab-made substance called etonitazene – also known as 'pyro' – has contributed to dozens of suspected overdoses this year. It's a grim reminder of the challenges that remain in tackling the blight of drugs on families and communities.
Scottie Dogg
Snoop Dogg has revealed he's desperate to get tickets for Oasis at Murrayfield.
The US rapper famously loves Scotland and is a personal friend of the Gallagher brothers too. If Noel and Liam can get him a ticket, he's going to jet in especially.
Though with the gig fast approaching, he might have to fly Snooper-sonic.
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