The UK Govt attacks Khat consumption on the Internet
LONDON: -- PM David Cameron announced today a plan to make it illegal to use the Internet while affected by khat or a drug. The proposed bill will enable the Scotland Yard to monitor Internet traffic of those who use or abuse khat, The Prime Minister was confident that bill would be passed by Parliament and said “There is too much immoral activity between Somali communities, the group which the ban will affect the most, and almost all the problems in Somalia begins in an Internet chat room." Adding that studies from the health ministry showed the rise in schizophrenic mirrored the average rise in Internet use while chewing khat. Internet pornography, Hate groups, Fake Political organizations, how to build bombs and Fraudulent moneymaking schemes are some of the abuses of the internet.
Conservative MP who is in favour of the bill said '' I've tried it, chewing khat, but mind you that was very long time ago and all I say is that the stuff is a double sided sword''
Once passed by parliament it is hoped the bill would keep Somali society free from dark influences which threaten to change their culture. The bill fellows several lately passed by parliament including the bill that bans people from driving while under the influence of khat.
Caasho Qushi, a Somali single mother said ‘’ the government is doing very good, being mirqaan on a highway is bad no matter what kind of highway it is’’
A Somali Community leader and one of the architects of the bill, Mr Abdilahi Haji was quoted saying "I myself have forbidden my daughter last week to use the Internet after seeing her waving a blue flag in one hand and a blue bag on the other" but refused to elaborate further on the nature of her internet activities.
Internet usage will also be restricted by the Metropolitan Internet Police, the wing which over sees internet misuse to prevent youths from looking at sexual content and Clannist websites - sites where tribal politics is discussed openly.
In this latest measure they will be aided by a software company from Nonthaburi Software Park, who has developed an "Internet logger" which logs all requests within Britain. This system is unique in the world and has been developed in cooperation with Shincorp their main shareholder.
Ngo's have complained already by the flagrant disregard for human rights, that this "Som Big Brother" system represents.
The PM dismissed opposition taunts that the cost would be excessive, saying he plans to use money raised from a special “Khat” levy to fund the project and would also direct funds away from the controversial ’’khat for take away’’ system to help implement this within the next 3 months.
Civil liberties groups say they will challenge the law in constitutional court. "The prime minister is trying to use this issue to distract people from his poor handling of the economy this year." said Samaale Jaama, of the No15 Mafrish Foundation.
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SMH
