UN Declaration of Human Rights: Article 9
Thursday, November 6th, 2008No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
The focus so far has been on freedom, equality and the application of the rule of law. But no article better enshrines the fear many people live with, namely that someone will come to your house and take you away.
Arbitrary arrest and detention are weapons of fear. They walk closely in hand with torture, which can be liberally applied in some dark, dank cell where no one is watching.
This is a weapon for crushing democracy and freedom. Countries like Burma continue to use it today to make sure their population is suppressed and bathed in fear.
When you go to bed tonight spare a thought for those who sleep lightly whilst waiting for the knock at the door.
