The CPS today refused to release details of BNP Fhurer Nick Griffin’s 1998 conviction for race hate crimes to the Guardian. They applied under Freedom of Information Act laws, but were informed that the ‘majority of information contained in the papers is personal data’, therefore releasing it publicly would breach Griffin’s rights under the Data Protection Act.
When the Guardian appealed, the CPS reiterated its view that Griffin's rights are not outweighed by the public interest in the disclosure of the information.
Although the DPA is a vital piece of legislation to protect confidentiality – if Mr Griffin wants to rule the country and has nothing to hide from the British people, why doesn’t he obtain the records himself and release them to the voters?
The Guardian has lodged a further appeal with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Guardian Story
