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by Bethany Rielly
A FORMER undercover officer told an inquiry today that he punched a campaigner as a form of “justice” after the man accused him of being a police spy.
The officer, who used the cover name Michael Scott, carried out the “cold and calculated” attack while infiltrating protest groups in the 1970s, including anti-apartheid and Irish solidarity organisations.
The spycop broke his little finger after hitting campaigner Gerry Lawless, who had accused him in a public meeting of the Troops Out Movement of being an undercover officer.
Giving evidence to the Undercover Policing Inquiry, Mr Scott said he felt that the punch was the “only sensible way” to deal with the accusation and maintain his cover.
Undercover policing: Officer defends spying on anti-apartheid movement
By Dominic Casciani
image captionThe inquiry has already attracted criticism from campaigners
An undercover officer who spied on the anti-apartheid movement has told an inquiry his work was justified because it could have caused more disorder than the far right.
The retired officer said its actions, in the 1970s, included demonstrations against cricket and rugby tours.
The movement caused problems and dangers and was a nuisance , he said.
The elderly officer is the first to give evidence at the Undercover Policing Inquiry.
The inquiry is looking into the targeting of the peer and former Labour cabinet minister Lord Peter Hain.
From meat-filled savoury custard to the cornflour-based Middle Eastern dessert of today. The recipe of muhalabia has travelled 1400 years. Image Credit: Shutterstock
Muhalabia, Blancmange or Phirni … Middle East, France or India, one dessert in its multiple avatars with strange beginnings.
Muhalabia is now everywhere, served in homes and restaurants, as quick weekend treats or lavish wedding desserts, at iftars and festivals, from buffets to instant-make pouches on supermarket shelves. But just like its French counterpart blancmange, the sweet dish has surprising beginnings – it used to be a savoury dish made with meat in the Middle Ages.
The muhalabia’s journey to a meatless sweet milk pudding is an interesting one. Earlier versions of its recipe show milk with ground rice, milk with whole rice and chicken, and an egg custard. Later versions showcase a spiced version with mutton.
Corruption alleged in power generation bids The mineral resources & energy department on Friday confirmed receipt of the high court application by DNG on April 28 02 May 2021 - 00:09 By HILARY JOFFE
A company which has corruption fighter and anti-apartheid activist Lord Peter Hain on its board has launched a court challenge to the department of mineral resources & energy s recent appointment of preferred bidders for emergency power generation.
The company, DNG Power Holdings, alleges the appointment involved undue influence by department officials and underhanded and corruptive activity by people connected to mineral resources & energy minister Gwede Mantashe.
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