NationStates Jolt Archive

Rotovian National News Flash

Just hours ago the His Eminency President Dionysus Baccheus announced the Senate has passed the Cretian Rights Act by a slim 67-33 vote barely reaching the 2/3 majority nessacary to pass.

The unique Act will grant the people of the Island of Crete Full Citizenship and all Rights and Responsablites afforded therewith. Though the Island has been the most disputed territory under the rule of Rotovia President Baccheus commented "It's about time we stopped fighting our family and started embracing them".

The Island will also be allowed to hold it's first sanctioned elections, and create a Legislative Assembly based upon those said results. The party with the prevailing majority shall make government and the leader of that party be given control as Prime Minister. The Legislative Assembly will be authorised to pass whatever laws nessacary and formulate a national Constution for the Island. However, it will answer ultimately to the Senate and remain a territory of Rotovia.

With elections soon to be called, even the most anti-Rotovian lobbiests in Crete have seen the positive in this move and are already applying to register a variety of parties for the election.

We'll keep you up-to-date as we know more, remember you heard it on Rotovian Nationa News first!"

[bump]

[shameless: bump]

Extract from the Arn-Maciska Times

"His Holy Majesty's Government has issued a statement commending this move on the part of the Rotovian leaders, stating that "This represents the recogntion of the Cretian people in Rotovia, and is indicitave of a new attitude towards the territory; it is a welcome development".

"However, some members of parliament have criticised the move, saying that it is nothing more a cynical ploy on the part of the Rotovian Senate, coming so recently after the banning of the Cretian national anthem, and is nothing more than an act of dirty politics."

From Janice Wilkins of Rotovia's lead political talkshow: On the Issues

"I think what the Macisikan Parliament forgets that the President really went out on a rim here. Not only from Crete itself, but from the Conservatives in the Senate who have been pushing for a complete annex of Crete..."

Extract from the Arn-Maciska Times
Sections of an Editorial
"Sometimes people's ability to discern things is really dissapointing. I mean, there are times when I wonder if some people can really tell the difference between, e.g. a person's personal opinion, and an argument that they are pushing, or the difference between the official government stance, and an M.P.'s personal opinion...

I make reference to one Janice Wilkins, a Rotovian who appeared recently on Rotovia's lead political talkshow: On the Issues. In this show Ms. Wilkins managed to confuse the personal sentiments of M.P.'s with the official position of His Holy Majesty's Government... somehow Ms. Wilkins managed to believe that our government was highly critical of the recent move on the part of the Rotovian government with regards to the Cretian situation...

Ms. Wilkins clearly forgot that His Holy Majesty's Government had issued an official statement of approval and welcome; "This represents the recogntion of the Cretian people in Rotovia, and is indicitave of a new attitude towards the territory; it is a welcome development"

People really should be able to differentiate between the official government position, and reports of the personal opinions of M.P.'s, especially if they want to educate others on the subject.."

Dr. Artemis P. Dekir is a professor in political science at the Macisikani National University, and teaches politics and government at the Imperial Academy.

Extract: "The Capital Voice" Political Newspaper
Mr Peter Hathor.

In a firey spout of venom a Macisikan Newspaper lashed out against one of Rotovia's leading political journalists Janice Wilkins. The newspaper, Arn-Maciska Times published a question as to her skills in descerning matters of opinion and politics stating [Ms Wilkin's] ability to discern things is really dissapointing.

Surely, when a nationa extends all possible efforts to see a diplomatic solution we should not expect a slap in the face for it. Even if that salp come from un-offical sources.

Rotovian's should be proud that men and women like Janice Wilkons would take stands on matters of national policy and pride...

You are watching MNB News

"... but those stories later.
"Today the Arn-Maciska Times began legal proceedings against the Rotovian newspaper "The Capital Voice" and against Mr Peter Hathor, a Rotovian national. The Arn-Maciska Times is suing Mr Hathor for defamation."
Camera cuts to a picture of a solicitor in a dark suit.
"The views published under editorials in our client's newspaper do not represent the views of the newspaper itself. Our clients feel that their reputations have been damaged by this action."
cut back to the anchor
"The Arn-Maciska Times has not announced the amount in damages being sought, but the number is expected to run into the hundreds of thousands of chips.
Rumours abound that His Holy Majesty's Government is considering filing a similar suit against Mr. Hathor on the same grounds, despite repeated official denials."

Reporter: "...thank you Steve. As many of you are awar there have been growing criticisms of the comments made by various persons of Macisikan by members of the Rotovian media. It appears that this has culiminated in a torte law action against The Capital Voice. We cross over live to The Capital Voice's headquarters in the Capital City."

A greying man in a sharp bussiness suit approaches a make-shift podium covered in microphones of varius newsagencies. He taps one before begining.

Editor: "I was informed this morning that The Capital Voice is being sued for damages on charges of civil lible by the Arn-Macisika Times, after a meeting with my legal advisors I have decided that no retraction will be printed. As it currently stands our paper cannot be held responable for the editorials we publish, and in giving in to this attempt to curtail this paper's freedom-of-the-press we would only set a bad precedent. I do however note that The Capital Voice neither supports nor disagrees with the opinions expressed in our editorial section. As for the author of the article, Mr Hathor I cannot comment except to say it is unlikely a Summons would hold up outside of the Macisikan jusristiction. Especially since no treaties relating to the matter excist.

This paper will continue to be a medium in which for the people to voice their opinions without fear of reprisal. For if we do not stand up and let the people speak, who would be The Capital's voice?"

Extract from the Aldet Daily
"The Arn-Maciska Times today announced that it was dropping its suit against the Rotovian newspaper The Capital Voice. The AMT's board stated that their lawyers had advised that The Civil Claims Court would not uphold the intitial charges.
However AMT has stated that it is pressing ahead with the suit against Mr. Peter Hathor.
The Civil Claims Court has issued a summons to Mr. Hathor.
Maciskani Embassy Officials have forwarded the summons, but have refused to comment on whether it will be heeded.
Our correspondant interviewed several lawyers on the matter, and has discovered that if the summons is ignored, Mr. Hathor will be held in contempt of court, and will most likely be barred from entering the Empire, its colonies and dominions until the Court is satisfied.
Dr. Artemis Dekir, a professor of political science at the MNU, has also filed charges against Mr. Hathor, alleging charges of defamation and misrepresentation.
His Holy Majesty's Government has confirmed that it will continue importing and distributing The Capital Voice for the benefit of Rotovian citizens residing or visiting the Empire."

"People of Rotovia, ladies and gentlemen of the Press, citizens of Maciskian and His Holy Majesty. A Summons-for-Appearence was forwarded to my Office today by the Rotovian Mission to Macisikan, with instructions to issue it to one Mr Hathor.

The Summons has since been issued with a request for immediate appearance"

Attorney-General William Feildings

---------------------------------------------

Reporter: "...as you have just heard the Summon-for-Appearance has been issued to Mr Hathor, who has appeared in the Attapolis Supreme Court to contest it."

----------------------------------------------

Inside Courtroom:

Baliff: "All rise for the Honourable Justice Hillary Perth"

Judge: "You may be seated, Mr Hathor you have filed a motion for a writ against the Summons issued against you by the Macisikan Magistrate's Court. Am I correct?"

Mr Hathor: "Yes, your Honour. I fail to see the juristiction Macisikan holds over our Press"

Judge: "Is that not a matter for the Hearing? At least it would appear our Attorney-General concurs"

Mr Hathor: "Then may I request a change of venue then your Honour? I believe I am entitled to be heard by a Rotovian Court on a matter relivant to our country"

Judge: "Very well, since you are entitled by law to a change of venue to a Court in your juristiction I will rule on it. By order of the Rotovian Supreme Court of the States of Attapolis I hereby order that the Defendant Mr Hathor be heard before the Attapolis Magistrate's Court and order the Plantiff issue their case in the afformentioned Court"

"All rise. The Jurisdictional Circuit Court is now in session, His Honour Judge Matthais Anzlar presiding."

Judge Anzlar; "Please be seated."

Court Officer: "First Case your honour, The Arn-Maciska Times vs. P. Hathor, charges of defamation. Defendant has filed a request that the hearing take place in Rotovia."

The judge reads the case papers carefully.

Judge Anzlar: "Stance of the Plaintiff?"

Counsel for AMT: "We move that the case be heard here in Macisikan; We have not alleged that my client's reputation has been damaged in Rotovia. Our initial filing clearly states that the charges pertain to the reputation of my client in the Empire, not in Rotovia.
"We are precedented; Aldet Daily vs. Ms. Fiona Akilka of the Dominion of Akmadar, 1995."

The judge carefully reads a large, heavy, leather-bound book on the bench in front of him.

Judge: "The precedent is clear and correct. On the charges of defamation internationally, the plaintiff will have to file with both the Civil Claims Court and the Rotovian Courts, and the case will need to be heard in both nations, should the plaintiff choose to file for damages in that area."

he pauses to take a breath

"On the charges of defamation where the effects are felt in Macisikan, upon which the plaintiff has filed, the plaintiff need only file with the Civil Claims Court; that case will be heard in Macisikan. If the defendant fails to heed the summons of the Civil Claims Court, he is in contempt. So let it be written, so let it be done. Next case."

--------------------

"You are listening to 2NU FM, the station of the National University.
A local lecturer in Political Science, Dr. Atermis Dekir, has filed a suit against the Rotovian Peter Hathor with the Civil Claims Court. Dr. Dekir has alleged that his reputation as a political commentator in Macisikan has been damaged in the Empire by an article published by Mr. Hathor and distributed in the Empire by the Government. The Civil Claims Court today issued a second summons to Mr. Hathor for the AMT case, and a summons for the Dekir case. Both summonses have been passed along to Embassy staff.
In Uni news, the University Senate has met..."

Reporter: "Welcome back to Weekend Update, it appear a Judge in the nation of Macisikan has ordered that the case of The Arn-Maciska Times v* P. Hathor be heard in Macisikan. We cross over live to the Rotovian Supreme Court of the State of Attapolis where the ruling's effect on the previous ruling by Justice Perth. We have been granted exclusive coverage of the courtcase, since the Appellent has waved his right to a closed Court"

---------------------------------------------------------------

Inside Courtroom:

Balliff: "All rise for the Right Honourable Cheif Justice Peter Oxford, presiding as Cheif Justice of the Supreme Court"

Judge: "You may be seated. Mr Hathor, I understand you had previously been awarded a hearing on Rotovian soil, pertaining to an international torte lible charge, am I correct?"

Hathor: "You are, you Honour"

Judge: "Then what seem to be the problem?"

Hathor: "The Macisikan Juristicional Circuit Court has ruled that the case be heard in the Macisikan Civil Claims Court, I request the original ruling by the Supreme Court be upheld"

Judge: "On what grounds?"

Hathor: "The National Justice Act clearly states that the Defendent may request a change of venue to his/her preferance, I also draw the Court's attention to Attawar Manufacturing V Rotovian Construction and The Cretian Times V The National Gazelle. In both cases upheld that Act to include international cases"

Judge: "It remains clear that Macisikan Courts hold juristiction to try all cases inwhich an act of lible or defamation occurs within their borders. However, this Court is bound by the law of statute and common law and must also hold that in a case where the Defendant commited the alleged defimation within Rotovia and especially where the circle of influence would likely be Rotovia that in order for the Summons to be valid the case must be heard in the Rotovian Magistrate's Court. It is therefore ordered that either the case be heard in the Magistrate's Court or the Summons effect be declared null and void within the juristiction of this Court."

Balliff: "The Judge has spoken"

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Reporter: "There you have it, apparently the Supreme Court will maintain Rotovia's juristiction over the matter a move sure to cause some controversy in Macisikan. As I understand a copy of the Court transcript is being sent to the Macisikan Embassy"

*bangs head on desk* b---y forum!

IC:

You are watching MNB News

"... but remains a matter of concern for the medical establishment.

Despite the ruling of the Rotovian supreme court yesterday, the Jurisdictional Circuit Court has stated that its previous ruling on the case of AMT vs. Hathor is considered binding; the verdict was announced late this morning. A spokesman for the court has said that "We were willing to allow that the trial be held in Rotovia, but it will be held before a Maciskani Court and under Macisikani laws and procedures".
The anchor pauses, and presses a finger to her ear

"We've just heard that the Civil Claims Court has declared the Rotovian Peter Hathor in contempt of court owing to his continued refusal to answer the summons issued to him."
she pauses again

We've just been told that the Attorney-General has been contacted... and a warrant has been issued for Mr. Hathor's arrest, valid for the Empire, its colonies and dominions, with an option for extradition should the government feel that such a move is necessary."
[another pause, and a nod]

It is likely that the Civil Claims Court will also declare Mr Hathor in ccntempt of court in the case of Dekir vs. Hathor, owing to his refusal to answer the summons on that case.
Several prominent citizens have put forward the view that Mr. Hathor is expressing a lack of faith in the Imperial Justice system.
[another pause]

Our political advisors have informed us that it is unlikely that the Secretary of State for International Judicial Affairs, Sir Julius Vasard, will begin negotiations for the extradition of Mr. Hathor, given the lack of government interest in these proceedings.

Tensions continue to escalate in the area of the Fascist White States..."

Justice Department
Minisitry of Justice

To: Macisikan Attorney-General
From: Rotovian Federal Attorney-General
Subject: Status of Mr Peter Hathor

I have been informed that a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Mr Peter Hathor, the matter perplexes me as few Civil Courts would seek a warrant in the matter. And infact it remains common and statue law in nearly all nations that failure to attend a Court appearence in a civil matter merely results in a default judgement.

However, since a warrant is outstanding my Office has been asked to determine whether the Rotovian Ministry of Justice will uphold the warrant under our juristicition. I have decided the warrant has no bearing for one major reason, at the time of it's issue Mr Hathor had obtained a Court Order allowing his case to be heard in a Rotovian Court. The ruling went on to state that if it was not heard in the Magistrate's Court than the Summons was would declared null and void.

Should you wish to continue legal proceedings I must insist the warrant be canelled and matter be tried before a Judicial Tribunal conisting of two Judges from out respective nations and tried under both nations laws, their relivence to asscertained by the Tribunal.

Official Communiqué; Classified
From: Attorney-General's Office, Office of International Judicial Affairs.
To: Rotovian Federal Attorney-General

Sir,
We have recieved your communiqué, and wish to clarify the issue.

Normally you are correct; a default judgement is the result of a non-appearence in a civil court, but the Civil Claims Court (CCC) felt the matter was too important for Mr. Hathor not to attend, and so issued a binding summons.

But Mr. Hathor has challenged the summons, and so the CCC felt that Mr. Hathor had expressed a complete lack of faith in our justice system; it has declared him "Hostile to Imperial Justice". This classification is usually reserved for people who seem to be actively avoiding the courts, e.g. by being in another country, and means a number of things;
- The State should ensure the declared's prescence at any court proceeding
- The declared is under house arrest until the matter is decided
- and we must issue a warrant for the individual's arrest for any outstanding criminal charge.
Contempt of court is a criminal charge in Macisikan, and the Civil Claims Court has declared Mr. Hathor in contempt, hostile to Imperial Justice, and the contempt case has not been heard. That is what the warrant has been issued for.

We both assaure (sp?) you that The Crown has no intention of attempting to extradite Mr. Hathor on a contempt charge; and Macisikani law requires that we initiate the extradition proceedings for them to be valid. The warrant stipulates that extradition is an optional course of action, to be pursued at "His Holy Majesty's pleasure".

First Minister Dettaine has asked us to tell you that it is the preference of the government that the matter simply be dropped; it is felt that the affair is only damaging our mutual relations, and so the government will only fufill its required statutory obligations in the matter, and will go no further.

Secretary of State for International Judicial Affairs, Sir Julius Vasard and
Attorney-General Dame Vera Natela

Justice Department
Minisitry of Justice

To: Macisikan Attorney-General
From: Rotovian Federal Attorney-General
Subject: Status of Mr Peter Hathor

Unfortunately I have a greater responability to justice than to international relations and will act in that regard first and foremost. That said I must insist that either the matter be brought before a relivant Court or the suit dropped and warrant expunged.

I will attempt to belay legal matters in Rotovia until you have an opportunity to reply.

Official Communiqué; Classified
From: Attorney-General's Office
To: Rotovian Federal Attorney-General

Sir, the warrant stipulates that it is only valid for the Empire and its dependencies, and that the pursuit of extradition was optional, and need not be pursued. However, matters have now moved beyond the control of the office of the Attorney-General.

Due to a communications breach a copy of your message has been received by the Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Lords, who has used his position as a Seated Lord to pressure the government into action.

Please accept my personal apologies at this escalation; the Civil Claims Court continues to hold Mr. Hathor in contempt, and I cannot pressure them, or any other court, in any way on any matter.

Also, please be advised that should Mr Hathor continue to refuse to attend the Civil Claims Court to answer the suits brought against him, the CCC will continue to hold him in contempt.

Dame Vera Natela, Attorney-General.

------------

Official Communiqué; Classified
From: Office of International Judicial Affairs.
To: Rotovian Federal Attorney-General

Dear Sir,

I formally request that you begin extradition proceedings against Mr. Peter Hathor on two charges of Contempt of Court (failure to appear by evasion of the courts). Mr. Hathor is to stand before a magistrate's court in Macisikan to answer these charges.

Sir Julius Vasard, Secretary of State for International Judicial Affairs.

==========
You are watching MNB news

"In a surprise move today the Jurisdictional Circuit Court has softened its earlier stance, stating that "In the matter of a civil case, where no international judicial arrangements exist, it may be possible to compromise on matters of procedure".
The ruling states that, with the IJA Office's approval, it may be possible to form joint tribunals to try civil cases where there are no pre-existing legal arrangements.
The ruling was made after the Attorney-General's Office moved for special exception in the jurisdictional case of location of AMT vs. Hathor and Dekir vs. Hathor."

Extract from the ArnDetta Daily Herald

IMPERIAL DECREE ISSUED IN HATHOR FIASCO!

Speaking from his bed in Arn-Maciska General Hospital, His Holy Majesty, the Cenobriach Akti Saniril issued an Imperial Decree late last night on the AMT-Hathor-Dekir Affair.
The Decree has ordered the dropping of the contempt charges against Mr. Hathor, the ending of the extradition proceedings, and the dropping of the civil cases against Mr. Hathor.
His Holy Majesty has also declared that AMT and Dr. Dekir have had their reputations damaged by Mr. Hathor, and to that end, has barred Mr. Hathor from entering the Empire, its colonies, and dominions, for the span of his natural life.
When we inquired as to the reasons behind this development, His Holy Majesty told us "That the whole affair is ridiculous and it's been blown out of all proportion."
The Attorney-General's office, and the IJA Office have confirmed that the criminal charges have been dropped, and the Civil Claims Court has declared Mr. Hathor no longer to be in contempt as the suits for which he has been summoned have been withdrawn.
The Immigration Office has confirmed that Mr. Hathor has been disbarred, however the Decree has also stated that should Mr. Hathor send a private apology to AMT and Dr. Dekir for misrepresenting them, the travel ban will be lifted.
A spokesman for the government has announced that "Because His Holy Majesty considers this matter at an end, so do we, and so do all Macisikani."
No official response has yet been received from Rotovia."

Reporter: "...that's one chicken who'll never lead an Army. But in other news the Civil Suit that swept two nations up in it's wirlwind of sensation has coem to an end when His Holy Majesty, the Cenobriach Akti Saniril issued an Imperial Decree disolving the current lawsuit, however maintaining the travel restrictions on Mr Hathor pending a formal apology. We'll cross over live to outside the Attapolis Magistrate's Court where Mr P Hathor has called a press conference"

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Hathor: "While I maintain my support for the opinions of Ms Wilkin's and the President's opinion on Cretian right, I apologise if my comments on the matter caused offence to the Arn-Macisika Times or any other person."

Press: "Mr Hathor, Mr Hathor! Question, do you believe your comments has damaged the relationship between Rotovia and Macisikan?"

Press: "Do you feel justice was served?"

Press: "Do you consider yourself a patriot?!"

Hathor: "I won't be taking any questions, thank you"

You are watching MNB news

"... sparking an argument in the Synod.

Mr Hathor of Rotovia issued a formal apology to AMT and Dr. Dekir today, finally ending the controversy that began several weeks ago when hotheads in the parliament spoke out against the government's policies. AMT and Dr. Dekir have released a statement to the effect that they accept the apology and now consider the matter at an end.

The Valden Raiders thrashed the Jevir Bulldogs in the Vaski Grand Finals..."