I've just read a BBC new report which states that the CPS is not going to prosecute speakers at a number of Birmingham mosques for preaching extremism.
Quoting from the BBC article:
CPS lawyer Bethan David said: "The splicing together of extracts from longer speeches appears to have completely distorted what the speakers were saying.
"The CPS has demonstrated it will not hesitate to prosecute those responsible for criminal incitement.
"But in this case we have been dealing with a heavily edited television programme, apparently taking out of context aspects of speeches which in their totality could never provide a realistic prospect of any convictions."
I guess the viewing public saw the spliced extracts which "appears to have completely distorted what the speakers were saying"...
Quoting from the BBC article:
CPS lawyer Bethan David said: "The splicing together of extracts from longer speeches appears to have completely distorted what the speakers were saying.
"The CPS has demonstrated it will not hesitate to prosecute those responsible for criminal incitement.
"But in this case we have been dealing with a heavily edited television programme, apparently taking out of context aspects of speeches which in their totality could never provide a realistic prospect of any convictions."
I guess the viewing public saw the spliced extracts which "appears to have completely distorted what the speakers were saying"...
A responsible media does not ask an arsonist for instructions on a fire safety video or a paedophile to advice on safe neighbourhoods.
ReplyDeleteDoes Channel Four (Undercover Mosque) really need to give a platform on news and documentary programs to fringe elements driven by either xenophobia or zealotry? Do certain sections of media purposely seek rant-bites to attract viewers' attention?
The media has a clear choice when venturing to inform viewers on delicate but important matters.
Ask any scholar, student or observer of Islamic Studies if they ever saw any contribution by Abu Izzedin or Anjum Chaudary in a mainstream publication. Check Index Islamicus or participation list of academic conferences in US, al-Azhar,Aligarh University India or Islamia College in Pakistan. No recognized and credible forum ever invites their views.
It is the irresponsible media that retains their favourite fringe fanatics on the oxygen mask of publicity when it accords them undeserved and unjustifiable attention on prime time without which the rantagogues are far feeble than a fish without water.
If opinions are not solicited by the networks for a few weeks those loudmouths who survive on soundbites with no following will be reduced to their actual size - trivial, insignificant and unworthy.
Hence, there is no wisdom in bringing people on the media who are unwilling and unable to offer a way out of dilemmas that we encounter and the consequences that we face?
By giving undue coverage to extremist expression, we will make the real issues hostage to militancy and mulishness.
Why then marginal, disbalanced and unrepresentative people with irrational and irresponsible views are much sought after for their views in TV documentaries? This certainly goes against the principles of fair representation, consistency, evenhandedness and the right to objective reporting.