Terror Legislation: Security or an excuse for political persecution?

Terror Legislation: Security or an excuse for political persecution?

Habeas Corpus and the Presumption of Innocence are vital pillars for freedom in a democratic society. Legislation introduced by Jacqui Smith as Home Secretary of a Labour government introduced legislation that got rid of Habeas Corpus and the Presumption of Innocence. Detention for indefinite periods without the assistance of legal counsel has now been legalised. 

As if this wasn't enough, Police offers were authorized to request access to pins and passwords of all electonic devices. Failure to provide the information requested now leads to arrest and finally to charges for Terrorism. How has this happened? Somebody who has no involvement whatsoever in any kind of terror activity can find himself or herself in the dock and finally end up in jail having committed no crime whatsoever. 

Paul Golding, leader of Britain First, finds himself accused under anti-terrorism legislation because he refused to provide access to his electronic devices when he was detained at the Heathrow Airport having returned from Moscow where he participated in a series of meetings with political representatives.

Using anti-terror legislation in political persecution is the way to Hell on Earth.