Home  Attitudes & Opinions OPEN LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER |
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OPEN LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER |
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Thursday, 15 July 2004 |
JONATHAN KING (FF8782) HMP Maidstone, County Rd, Kent MEM 1UZ
9/7/2004
Dear Tony Blair,
This does not concern my own case directly (the appeal process is ongoing).
I have become increasingly concerned by the language and attitude of your
ministers regarding the pursuit of sex offence allegations.
In tabloid fashion, policy appears concentrated on only one kind of "victim".
Never, in all the fresh restrictions and laws, is the possibility considered
that the motives for false allegations may exist.
Your approach towards anonymity for the accused ignores the fact that other
crimes demand evidence and proof of guilt. Since Michael Howard changed the
law in the 90's, no corroboration is needed other than one person's word.
This presumes total integrity for the accuser. But, quite apart from genuine
delusion and the natural tendency to inflate or exaggerate after time,
especially where celebrities are concerned, this does not take into account
financial greed, desire for revenge or attention, and the numerous other reason
to invent false accusations.
It presumes that the police are independent in their enquiries and do not,
in fact, behave in a tunnel visioned fashion (a natural inclination, at best,
but inspired by corruption or ambition at worst).
I'm not saying that there are never cases of rape or historic abuse, but surely
a good law protects ALL parties equally?
When I met you (at that Springsteen concert) I said to John Preston that you
could be the first Labour Prime Minister in a long time. You are. I considered
you (and still do) to be a decent and honourable man.
If you could see, as I do, at first hand the appalling tragedies of innocent
victims of false allegations and the increasing amount of prison space (not
to mention media space) devoted to making monsters out of harmless individuals,
as well as the ruined lives, careers and families, you would weep.
I would bet you there are FAR more victims of false allegations or exaggeration
than there are rapists and abusers.
Yet the law, increasingly, ignores this.
And the thousands added to the Sex Offenders Register simply muddy the waters
so the REAL evil people slip away in the confusion.
Please give this serious consideration. I cannot stress too strongly how
important it is. The legacy of the current tabloid/Max Clifford approach will
be disastrous.
Best wishes,
JONATHAN KING
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