He Fought The Law

Revolution seems to be in the air at present: while the Nyesti Party is facing difficulties over the question of identity cards(*), Home Minister Ruud Eerz is facing a revolt by Albia's senior members of the legal system over the detention of alleged terrorists. The decision having already been attacked by the country's top judges(**), Mr Eerz now faces the prospect of the government's "special advocates"(***) resigning in protest.

In what may be related news, Albia's intelligence services have have discovered evidence that a number of cells belonging to a new terror group may have infiltrated the country. Fortunately, I understand that members of these groups can easily be recognised by their weird garb, consisting as it does of flowing robes in red or black, white wigs and silk stockings. These so-called "loyaz" are believed to be roaming the country even as we speak, intent on assaulting any unsuspecting government minister they can find. Indeed, there have already been reports of minor functionaries in the Home Department being discovered bound up in red tape with notes attached reading, "Give us back our human rights or the separation of powers gets it". We are all advised to be vigilant.

(*) see A Question of Identity.
(**) a matter on which I reported earlier - see Another Door Closes.
(***) known in Albian as "fygleevs", the special advocates are appointed to represent(****) detained alleged terrorists.
(****) of course, when I say "represent" it should be understood that they are not allowed to speak to the detainees, or ask them written questions, or take instructions from them as to the proper conduct of their case or in any way communicate with them whatsoever. Despite these restrictions, I am advised by senior sources that the government wants to ensure that the fygleevs can represent the detainees in any way they see fit, that is in any way they see fit that does not involve trying to prove the detainees innocent.