An impromptu rally was attended by around 5000 people last weekend. The rally which seemed to be organised through social media channels was held on the beach just to the north of the Walled City and was addressed by the enigmatic speaker Christopher. He spoke for over an hour to the enraptured crowd, many of whom were visibly moved by what he said. The main focus of his speech was on the environment, but he also spoke on the dangers of cancel-culture and the threat to the individual by the introduction of new powers limiting civil liberties. 

The Walled City Security Forces released figures today which showed a marked increase in incidents attended by the city’s Internal Security Team (IST). The IST is an elite unit which was only formed three years ago with the aim of providing an instant response to any acts of suspected terrorism within the city. The head of the Security Forces in the city, Commander Robert Lunn, expressed grave concern over this upward trend. When questioned by reporters about the possibility that the IST were perhaps being used in situations that didn’t require them, Commander Lunn responded by saying that “The IST is deployed as and when deemed necessary. We live in a dangerous society where extremist actions can come from many quarters.” IST attendance at incidents is up 17% on the same three-month period last year.

A new Bill was introduced today giving increased powers to law enforcers and the courts. The Public Safety Act (2022) was passed by a two-thirds majority yesterday in Council and ratified by Governor Hart. Governor Hart expressed his satisfaction that these powers had been granted and said that “they should allow citizens to feel safer on the streets of The Walled City.” Opponents of the Bill say that powers go too far and infringe on civil liberties, citing the limiting of numbers who can gather in public spaces and enhanced capabilities for background checks as examples of this.