[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Over 200 arrested at illegal ‘anti-torture’ demonstration in Grapevale
23rd June 2019

214 anti-torture campaigners have been arrested at an illegal demonstration which took place today in the capital city of Grapevale. The protest was attended by approximately 300 individuals, most of whom were arrested on the scene following a confrontation during which time some individuals fled. Two police officers were attacked by demonstrators, which led to a violent confrontation. Seventeen individuals are in hospital, including four police officers.

The demonstration comes after the confession of Councillor Robinson to treason – something which campaigners say was the result of enhanced interrogation techniques and should not be counted as evidence. The Council denies using any such techniques on Robinson, stating that using such techniques on a member of the Council would be in violation of Kerlian law, and that Robinson’s confession was ‘fully of her own accord’.

Illegal demonstrations on the subject have been increasing in frequency in the past year. Councillor Anita Patel claims this is a result of the public support of several other Councillors for a banning of physical punishments. Councillors Arnott and Hale have pardoned several individuals involved in organising such protests in the past two months.

Natasha Robinson, fourteen-year-old daughter of Councillor Robinson, was arrested at one such protest in April 2018, organised by a group calling themselves Teenagers Against Torture. The group, comprised of schoolchildren, campaigns against the use of both physical punishments and enhanced interrogation techniques. The group remains legal, following a deadlock within the Council on outlawing the organisation.

A letter signed by several daughters and granddaughters of Councillors – including Reena Patel, granddaughter of Anita Patel, Natasha Robinson and Rosemary Arnott – calling on the Council to outlaw torture as a punishment, was read aloud by a protestor, who was among the first arrested for possession of unauthorised anti-matriarchal materials.

Councillor Rebecca Arnott issued a statement following the incident calling for the release of those arrested: “the volume of public opposition to our current policies on this subject, in spite of the attempts of my fellow Councillors to suppress this feeling, is proof that we must make a change. My friend and fellow Councillor, Carmen Robinson, does not deserve this treatment, and nor does anyone else. We must do better.”

This was echoed by Councillor Natalia Hart, who added: “to torture people as punishment is to disobey the Goddess – as She is the only being who can stand in supreme judgement on those who have sinned.”

However, the third presidential candidate, Letitia Greenwood, disagreed with her opponents, stating: “we cannot allow subversive elements in our society, many of whom are allied with terrorists and traitors, to undermine the mission of the Matriarchy. We are committed to ensuring a nation where women can live without fear of men, and for this to succeed, we cannot allow enemy propaganda about our activities to affect our decision making.

The Matriarchy of Kerlile does not ‘torture’ individuals – all interrogations of those suspected of crimes are carried out with the wellbeing of the individual in mind, and no punishment is given to criminals without the judgement of a Kerlian court. These violent demonstrations, which lead to disruption and injuries, cannot be tolerated.”