UK Twitter Users Declare 'I'm Spartacus' 213
An anonymous reader writes "Tweeters have joined forces to support Paul Chambers, the man convicted and fined for a Twitter message threatening to blow up an airport. A so-called 'I'm Spartacus' campaign encouraging users to 're-tweet' his words has also become a huge hit. The hashtag #IAmSpartacus is currently the number one trending topic on Twitter in the UK, with #twitterjoketrial in second place. Chambers is believed to be the first person convicted in the UK for posting an offensive tweet. After the hearing, actor and Twitter fan Stephen Fry tweeted that he would pay Chambers' fine. Comedian Dara O'Briain tweeted that the verdict was 'ludicrous' while Peep Show actor David Mitchell said it was 'punishment for flippancy.'"
I suspect not as many people will re-tweet on behalf of Garreth Compton.
Why Spartacus? (Score:4, Informative)
For those wondering, from TFA:
The I'm Spartacus campaign is inspired by the famous scene in the 1960s blockbuster, when slaves stood up one by one to claim "I'm Spartacus" in order to save their fellow gladiator from detection.
Don't be so sure... (Score:4, Informative)
Most Mancunians I've spoken to say it was the best thing to happen to their city center.
Guide to right to free speech in the UK (Score:5, Informative)
The Human Rights Act 1998 [statutelaw.gov.uk] guarantees freedom of expression in article 10.1:
Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. This Article shall not prevent States from requiring the licensing of broadcasting, television or cinema enterprises.
... and then takes away the protection on the contentious speech that might actually need protecting in 10.2:
The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.
FYI (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Eheh (Score:1, Informative)
Your a little out Robin hood is a former RAF base, the runways are specially reinforced and can handle extremely large aircraft (Antonov An-225 for example). I remember watching it being layed the foundation alone is over 5m deep!
Re:Puts law enforcement in a difficult position (Score:2, Informative)
Re:The British Way... (Score:1, Informative)
Re:So, why did he do it? (Score:3, Informative)
Airport security did see the tweet, (via a random search by an off duty staff member.) and rated it as "No credible threat"
Re:So, why did he do it? (Score:3, Informative)
The Communications Act 2003 contained parts of a 1930s law aimed at stopping obscene phone calls made to telephone operators. Definitely not aimed at bomb threats, jokes, or any medium other than 1 to 1 telephone calls.
Re:So, why did he do it? (Score:3, Informative)
The same law also makes it a criminal offence to lie on the internet or over the phone in order to wind someone up, or to be indecent or obscene. I guess all those sex phone lines are illegal. And any crude comments on facebook or twitter.
I'm not making this up, read it for yourself here.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/21/section/127 [legislation.gov.uk]
Re:Just goes to show (Score:1, Informative)
Albrett was arrested after the White House Correspondence Office received a message on May 14 that read:
"This is not a joke. Inform the FBI, CIA, U.S. military and DOJ that I am going down to D.C. to blow the brains out of Obama unless he vacates the White House and I am going to shoot up the place and Rahm if I see him...This is not a joke...I am going to leave Mara at home with water and some food..."
That's pretty different from a tweet.