​Former Labour peer in court over child sex abuse charges

A former senior British politician has appeared in a court in London to face historical child sex abuse charges.

Former Labour peer, Lord Janner, arrived at Westminster magistrates’ court in central London in connection with 22 sex abuse charges spanning over 30 years between 1960s and 1980s.This is his first appearance in the court over sex abuse allegations.

Lord Janner had initially failed to attend the hearing, despite a High Court order asking him to attend the proceeding on Thursday.

Janner's lawyer wanted him to appear via video link, but the prosecutor rejected the request saying such a procedure is only permitted for someone in the police custody.Prosecutor, Louise Oakley, however, suggested the peer could appear at Wood Green Crown Court instead, a court closer to his home.  

“The problem of child abuse that happened during the last 4 or 5 decades in the UK is basically the involvement of powerful players which still have vested interests. I also believe that the government and many in the parliament are shielding their friends within the House of Lords and House of Commons from prosecution and exposure”, Chris Wittwer, Campaigner from UK & Ireland Database told Press TV.

Janner is suffering from severe Alzheimer and an earlier decision that he is not going to face charges due to his ill health has already overturned. Judges argued that there is a strong public interest in suspects attending the court. Janner’s lawyers had, however, expressed disappointment saying that compelling his client to attend the hearing would be a breach of not only his human rights but could prove catastrophic to his deteriorating health.

The former politician’s absence in the court could lead to an arrest warrant against him.

Some report suggest the peer will not have to go in the dock, but will instead stand or be seated facing the judge. The case is expected to be sent later to a crown court. Janner's family has so far denied charges leveled against him.

Britain has witnessed a surge in child sexual abuse cases, some of which dating back to the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s and involving churches, media personalities and politicians.

The British police have already investigated claims of a Westminster pedophile ring. Recently, they have begun investigation into reports of sexual abuse and corruption of a senior lawmaker from Labour party. Police have not yet revealed the identity of the accused.

“Police actually say they have investigated 1,500 men since 2014 over allegations of child abuse in the past. These suspects include 261 high profile individuals, 76 actually politicians including local and national figures, 43 from music industry, 135 from TV, film and radio and 7 from world sports” Wittwer said,  

The issue of a pedophile former prime minister is also making headlines. Former Conservative leader, Edward Heath, who died in 2005 is accused of having raped a 12-year-old boy back in 1961.

The allegations against Heath are part of an operation which deals with claims of murder by a Westminster pedophile ring that abused children. An inquiry into Heath's case has not been launched yet but some police chiefs have indicated that a full probe could ascertain whether Heath had any living accomplices.

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