Sir David Amess killing: Security for politicians is a global dilemma
London: The murder of British MP Sir David Amess again highlighted the dilemma being faced by politicians worldwide.
“How can people’s representative be openly accessible and yet still can protect the personal safety?”
In Amazon, remote area, expect to find a little or no security for average politician. In Down south in big cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro you’re more likely to see politicians flanked by bodyguards and large entourages. Wealth here is extreme – and so are the inequalities. While Brazil is deeply divided politically and that has become clearer during Jair Bolsonaro’s leadership. He was stabbed during his presidential campaign and has used this as a justification to liberalise gun laws.
Whereas, Netherlands’ prime minister freewheeling into parliament on his bike indicates a safe, peaceful, tolerant nation.
While in US there is a swift change in violence during Covid-19 pandemic as bot Republicans and Democrats were targeted in violent attacks.
In India, being a MP has come with a lot of privileges including a high end security detail. Police force provide additional security when MPs travel to constituencies while personal staff also remained with them all time.
Meanwhile, Amess was stabbed 17 times.The 69-year-old Conservative leader was talking with voters at a church in the small town of Leigh-on-Sea east of London when the incident took place.
