McColm takes umbrage at threats supposedly made against witnesses for the prosecution in SU's comments boxes. While the recent threads were some of the most unpleasant I've seen (you've got to ask what someone new to socialism made of them), this reflects real life feelings around an issue that has become a dividing line for large parts of the far left. What threats there are were the kind of silly bravado you expect to surface in any heated internet dispute. If one wants to be consistent, applying McColm's definition of 'threat' would see about 90% of Britain's political blogging scene come under police scrutiny.
This move has to be located in the context of Murdoch's campaign against the Sheridans and their supporters. Having seen Tommy lose the court case it is not enough NOTW appeal the original civil action that started this whole mess. Murdoch's minions have to demonise Tommy and anyone associated with the defence. If successful NOTW's appeal will bankrupt Tommy, but News International want to see him and, conveniently, the politics he represents destroyed.
I've made my feelings about the Sheridan case pretty clear. But now this has spilled over into an outright media witchhunt against a section of the left, the labour movement cannot stand aside. Murdoch and his goons should back off, and Socialist Unity be defended from any and all attempts to shut it down.
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