Could Crowdfunding Power Unseat Scotland’s Lying MP Alistair Carmichael? Over 5,955 Indiegogo Backers Pledge Yes

The People Versus CarmichaelThe People Versus Carmichael Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign continues to gain momentum as it swiftly passed the £106,140 mark with the help of over 5,955 backers. Fiona MacInnes and Tim Morrison’s original campaign was 102% funded on June 24, 2015. The purpose of the continued crowdfunding campaign is to raise more cash needed to cover the costs of legal representation which will hold PM Alistair Carmichael accountable for his behaviour before, during and after the election campaign.
Not supported by any political party but by Orkney and Shetland residents, the campaign has been launched by those “who are disappointed in the behaviour of their MP and want our politics conducted honestly and without smears. Of course some SNP members are involved but it is not an SNP campaign.”
People Verses Carmichael contends that Carmichael lied about his own personal character and conduct during the election campaign to maintain his reputation as a man of honour in Orkney and Shetland, against section 106.  With over 265 comments have been posted, 24K tweets and 12.9K Facebook posts, this campaign has become viral.

The People Versus Carmichael“We would not be here without you, and each and every one of you has our admiration and thanks. We are now facing very substantial costs for the next stage – the trial where Alistair Carmichael will give evidence. This is a big ask, but if each of you can once again give what you can, we will have renewed financial security for the trial costs. Trust us that we would not ask if it were not needed. When the time comes our full costs will be made public. Please encourage everyone you know to donate.”

While seeking to raise significant funding quickly to make the court action possible, the campaign noted that there is no guarantee of winning the case and case could also be closed for any number of currently unforeseen reasons.  For these reasons, the People will distribute any unused funds to Scottish food bank charities.
The National’s Greg Russell clarified Section 106 and reported details about Frenchgate as it moves closer to aCourt of Session in Edinburgh conclusion next week, when lawyers for both sides meet:

scottish flag“Court No 1 in Parliament House is the venue for an Election Court “by order” hearing in the case brought under the Representation of the People Act 1983. Section 106 of the Act makes it an offence to make or publish false statements about any candidate during an election, and Lady Paton and Lord Matthews ruled that it could also apply to “self-talking”, as well as attacking another candidate. This Monday’s hearing will set out the ground rules for the forthcoming trial, including its location – it could be held in Kirkwall – the witnesses, the time to set aside for it and whether the standard of proof should be the same as in a criminal case or a civil one. It is thought that in light of the fact it would be a criminal offense to contravene Section 106, the standard of proof would be the more stringent criminal level.”

Russell also noted that Carmichael will be required to give evidence under oath and former LibDem leader Nick Clegg may step in as a witness. Klegg previously said Carmichael had told him that the leak didn’t come from him, but in his responses Carmichael said Clegg had not been briefed. Carmichael has already admitted leaking and then lying about a memo that was aimed at damaging Nicola Sturgeon, reported Russell, that falsely claimed she had told the French Ambassador she would prefer David Cameron to remain in Downing Street.  For step-by-step political details, click here.


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