DNA database against human rights

Last week the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the storage of DNA and fingerprints (biodata) of innocent individuals in the UK was an infringement of human rights and “could not be regarded as necessary in a democratic society.” Such information breached a persons right to privacy.
Police have been ordered to destroy over 1.6 billion samples. The Government and police argue however that storing this information is a key weapon in fighting crime.

1. Would you feel that your right to privacy had been violated if your DNA information were stored for police reference?
2. Is the storage of this information reasonable if it helps the police do their job?
3. Should everyone have their DNA on a database to help with police investigations? What issues might this raise?
4. Is there an alternative solution?

Sport and Politics: The Beijing Olympics

'In bidding for the 2008 Games, the Chinese promised to improve matters. Yet, under President Hu Jintao the government has tightened the screw on political dissidents, non-governmental organisations, internet users and ethnic minorities......It is often said that sport and politics should not mix. With the Games being wholly or partly financed by governments, they inevitably do...' [extract Telegraph.co.uk 11/4/08]


'Fears that tomorrow’s (6/4/08) Olympic flame relay through London could be disrupted by violence intensified after it emerged that eight Tibetan protesters had been shot dead by Chinese police.' [extract Timesonline 5/4/08]

'London's relay saw protesters trying to douse and even snatch the Olympic flame as athletes and celebrities carried it through the city.' [extract news.bbc 7/4/08]

[Image: New York City protest March 2008]

'More than 40 athletes taking part in the Beijing Olympics have today signed an open letter addressed to China's government urging it to respect human rights and freedom of religion, particularly in Tibet.' [extract Guardian.co.uk 7/8/08]

Four Free Tibet protesters including two Britons are arrested for hanging giant banners opposite Beijing's Olympic Stadium on a day of protests against the Chinese government. Watch here and for other protests and video viewpoints.

• Should sport and politics be kept separate...can they be?


• Should we or other countries have boycotted the olympics because of China's human rights issues - including restricted freedom of speech, internet censorship, detaining people, death penality, Tibet?


• Has the olympics had a positive role in at least raising peoples awareness?

You may want to check out Amnesty Internationals' website.