Thousands of members of the far right British National Party (BNP) are living in fear of exposure after a disgruntled member posted the entire membership list online.
The list has about 10,000 names and includes home addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. Many of these people are 'faceless' members of the BNP in the sense that their standing in the community could be adversely effected if their affiliations become known. The racist reputation of the BNP isn't exactly compatible with public service.
The membership list includes occupations regarded as sensitive, such as doctor, nurse, scientist, engineer, company director, journalist, priest. Names of police personnel have also shown up on the list.
There doesn't appear to much leeway when it comes to legal recourse. According to a lawyer interviewed by the London Times, outed members won't be able to sue either the party or the leaker. The lawyer acknowledged it was a breach of data protection law but said the legal remedies were weak.
According to BNP leader Nick Griffin, the leaking of the membership list was deliberate, coming as it does just before the European Parliament elections.
As for those on the list who are in panic mode ... tough! If people decide to sign up as members of fascist or far right parties, their community has a right to know. When people go to the doctor or dentist or file a report with a cop, most would like to believe they aren't dealing with a racist or worse.
Even the UK's tabloid press that can be big on the jingoism and flag waving, have little time for the BNP. The Sun had a front page headline that lampooned the party as Bloody Nasty People.
The list has about 10,000 names and includes home addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. Many of these people are 'faceless' members of the BNP in the sense that their standing in the community could be adversely effected if their affiliations become known. The racist reputation of the BNP isn't exactly compatible with public service.
The membership list includes occupations regarded as sensitive, such as doctor, nurse, scientist, engineer, company director, journalist, priest. Names of police personnel have also shown up on the list.
There doesn't appear to much leeway when it comes to legal recourse. According to a lawyer interviewed by the London Times, outed members won't be able to sue either the party or the leaker. The lawyer acknowledged it was a breach of data protection law but said the legal remedies were weak.
According to BNP leader Nick Griffin, the leaking of the membership list was deliberate, coming as it does just before the European Parliament elections.
As for those on the list who are in panic mode ... tough! If people decide to sign up as members of fascist or far right parties, their community has a right to know. When people go to the doctor or dentist or file a report with a cop, most would like to believe they aren't dealing with a racist or worse.
Even the UK's tabloid press that can be big on the jingoism and flag waving, have little time for the BNP. The Sun had a front page headline that lampooned the party as Bloody Nasty People.
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