Rights, Laws, and a Big Middle Finger to Censorship
Freedom of Expression
This blog is protected under the right to freedom of expression, recognised both in UK and international law.
Key legal references:
• Article 10, European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) – incorporated into UK law via the Human Rights Act 1998, guaranteeing the right to “receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority.”
• Section 12, Human Rights Act 1998 – reinforces protections for freedom of expression, particularly regarding journalism and matters of public interest.
These rights allow individuals to share information, opinions, and personal experiences, subject only to lawful, necessary, and proportionate restrictions—such as protecting the rights of others or safeguarding ongoing legal proceedings.
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Discussing Personal Experiences
I have the lawful right to describe and discuss my own experiences under Articles 8 and 10 ECHR, including interactions with family members, foster carers, the police, NHS staff, and other organisations with whom I have directly engaged.
Family and Personal Background
• Accounts are based on my own experiences and supporting evidence, including official records obtained under data protection law.
• Names mentioned reflect real individuals involved in documented events where those details form part of the factual narrative.
• Publishing this information is an act of personal expression and a means of raising awareness on matters of public and personal concern.
Police and Public Authorities
• Police conduct is governed by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), the Human Rights Act 1998, and related oversight frameworks.
• I may include names of officers or public officials where relevant to events I experienced, in the interest of public accountability.
• I take care not to prejudice ongoing legal proceedings, in line with the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
NHS and Healthcare Experiences
• I discuss my own NHS treatment and experiences, supported by medical records obtained lawfully through Subject Access Requests.
• Named individuals referenced are those with whom I had direct professional interactions.
• These disclosures are lawful under freedom of expression, relating to my personal data and experiences.
Where organisations have shared data about me, I may reference, quote, or publish this information as it constitutes my personal data. Redacted sections remain protected, but non-redacted content is mine to use in documenting my experiences.
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Public Interest and Accountability
This blog contributes to public interest by promoting transparency around issues such as:
• Abuse or neglect in family and foster care settings,
• Police misconduct or failures of duty, and
• Institutional failings in NHS or care systems.
Under the Defamation Act 2013, it is a defence to show that statements are true or that publication was on a matter of public interest, reasonably believed to be so. My writing aims to document experiences truthfully, promote accountability, and highlight systemic issues.
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Accuracy and Evidence
All published accounts are based on:
• First-hand experiences,
• Lawfully obtained records (e.g., SAR responses, correspondence, care records), and
• Contemporaneous notes and evidence.
To the best of my knowledge, all statements are true. Opinions are clearly identified and based on direct experience.
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Legal Considerations
• Defamation Act 2013 – protects statements that are true, honestly held opinion, or in the public interest.
• Contempt of Court Act 1981 – ensures I do not discuss active proceedings in a prejudicial way.
• Malicious Communications Act 1988 – I publish truthfully and in good faith.
• Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – this blog documents events, not to harass or target individuals.