FORMER justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has described the imprisonment of journalist and blogger Craig Murray as “shameful and unjust” and has agreed to meet the UK Attorney General after he raised the issue in the House of Commons.
Murray, a former diplomat, was sentenced to eight months in prison for contempt over his reports from the Alex Salmond trial.
Macaskill, depute leader of the Alba party, raised his case with Attorney General Suella Braverman QC in the Commons today.
“A great injustice has been visited upon Craig Murray who has been jailed for eight months without the right of appeal,” he said after the exchange.
READ MORE: Reader's plea to Justice Secretary over jailed Craig Murray
“That is shameful and unjust. I was therefore glad to have the opportunity to raise his case directly with the UK Attorney General as both broadcasting and human rights are reserved responsibilities.
“I welcome the Attorney General’s statement on the importance of freedom of speech for journalists and I have taken up her offer of a meeting to discuss Craig Murray’s case and to explore all possible remedies, including what if anything, can be done to have his case examined under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
“I will continue to fight for Justice for Craig Murray and to ensure that his case receives the attention it so rightly deserves.”
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