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by Pro-life. . 711 reads.

Statement of Right to Life on Lazarus

Statement of Right to Life


Regarding the Political Situation in Lazarus


Nations of Lazarus, Right to Life, and the world:

Typically, Right to Life abstains from intervening in the internal affairs of game-created regions out of respect for their sovereignty. That said, the ongoing situation in Lazarus warrants special attention. For more than a year, Right to Life and Lazarus have maintained relations by means of in-game and forum embassies; and Right to Life citizens, valuing this relationship, have watched with great consternation during the past two weeks as political order in Lazarus has been turned on its head.

Funkadelia was legitimately elected to be the delegate of Lazarus and continues to serve in that position. Just over two weeks ago, he and his supporters claimed to have uncovered a plot to overthrow the regional government in contravention of Lazarus's constitution, known as the Celestial Mandate. Right to Life does not deny the importance of conducting a thorough investigation and, if needed, prosecuting any conspirators before an impartial tribunal constituted according to regional law.

The Funkadelian administration's actual response, however, has not been limited to investigation and prosecution under the law. Two weeks ago, the administration, instead, used the alleged plot as a pretext for lawlessly decreeing a "state of emergency," during which it improperly aggrandized power to itself at the expense of the civil and political rights of citizens and residents. The Right to Life government is now convinced that Funkadelia and his stalwarts, maintaining ties with the raider sphere, have abused their democratic mandate to extinguish defenders and other dissidents in Lazarus in violation of the Celestial Mandate, especially the provisions pertaining to:

  • "Equal protection under the law," both for raiders and for defenders;

  • "Freedom of speech, petition, peaceful association and assembly so long as their exercise does not violate the rules of NationStates or the Regional Forum's terms of use;"

  • "Right to fair representation in a criminal trial and may not be forced to incriminate themselves;"

  • "Freedom in their nations' domestic affairs, including World Assembly votes and endorsements;"

  • "Immunity from being tried for a crime by law or put on trial, retroactively."

The Funkadelians have used their power to turn Lazarus into a raider-dominated, tyrannical regime. In fact, the administration has gone so far as to purport to repeal the Celestial Mandate, substituting a new constitution, called the Constitution of the Undead Dominion, in its place. The Undead Constitution has no democratic legitimacy, and it destroys the freedoms that Lazarenes previously enjoyed. The new constitution abolishes elections for the delegate, and it declares the delegate to be a "King" who has life tenure and who appoints his successor. There are no effective checks on "King" Funkadelia. The new bill of rights, if it can be called that, states: "Citizens may be removed at the discretion of the King of the Undead." And this provision "may not be edited or revised." There are no essential restraints on executive authority.

"King" Funkadelia has already shown his willingness to do anything to maintain his iron grip on the nations of Lazarus. The revolutionary government is, at present, holding a show trial. Thirty-six "subversives" have been charged and are being tried en masse for their opposition to the monarchic revolution. To make matters worse, they are being tried for crimes promulgated after their alleged acts, or ex post facto. Simply put, "King" Funkadelia and his cadre are acting as legislature, prosecutor, judge, jury, and executioner over all Lazarenes opposed to their new, autocratic order.

Just as important to Right to Life is the fundamental disregard shown by "King" Funkadelia for international law and custom. The administration has violated diplomatic immunity by including foreign dignitaries among the "subversives" in its show trial, and it has broken off ties with treatied allies without providing any reason or proper notice concerning its actions.

The Right to Life government, considering all of the known, relevant facts as well as the dignity of all parties involved, implores the Funkadelian administration to reverse course and:

  • Discontinue its assault on freedom of expression on the regional message board and in other government-controlled venues, restoring to Lazarenes their right to dissent;

  • Reinstate voting rights and elections for the delegate, including to "subversives," unless and until they have been lawfully convicted and sentenced by an impartial adjudicator, not associated with the revolution, for misconduct that was criminal at the time it was committed;

  • Call a constitutional convention, make it open to all Lazarenes who are citizens under the Celestial Mandate, and ordain a new constitution if and only if it obtains the support of a supermajority.

We, the undersigned officers, do express our concern for the nations of Lazarus and for the security of their rights and privileges; and we do assent to this statement, to be delivered and released on the ninth day of August, two thousand seventeen, and in the seventh year of the Region of Right to Life.

Culture of Life
Founder of Right to Life

The united empire of new missouri
President of Right to Life

The roman catholic federation
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Right to Life

Stellonia
Ambassador of Right to Life to Lazarus

Pro-life

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