Mark Thomas puts the arms trade under the spotlight in this special edition of Dispatches, asking how easy it is to broker arms. Working his way through a spider’s web of vast and, in some cases, archaic legislation, Thomas unearths a series of dangerous loopholes, inconsistencies and, even more shocking, simple omissions that would have the most avaricious arms broker salivating with glee.
The programme highlights the international trade route that runs from Eastern Europe to the Far East and the twists and turns that make it possible to broker equipment like thumb cuffs, wall cuffs and the particularly menacing sting stick (two-foot metals bars covered with sharp spikes) within the existing UK guidelines.
In his inimitable style, Thomas highlights the shocking impact of this trade route not just in war-torn countries like Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and Sierra Leone, but also in our own backyard. But nothing prepares Thomas for the possibilities that open up when he discovers a neighbouring European country with no brokerage laws.
“If they had stricter rules, then this wouldn’t happen.”
How terribly naive.
Guess if your an unemployed American and can afford a few plane tickets this could be a possible career, just get in the game, meet the right people and your good to go. Leg irons, stun batons then RPG and tanks, sky’s the limit lol.
Guess if your an unemployed American and can afford a few plane tickets this could be a possible career, just get in the game, meet the right people and your good to go. Leg irons, stun batons then RPG and tanks, sky’s the limit lol.
The presenter seems endlessly baffled by the idea that when you cross a border, the law changes.
stupid, you can make that stuff at home
This documentary is a farce. Mark Thomas bimbles self-righteously around the subject, recruiting morally indignant children who’s know-nothing, judgemental attitude peaks with a sting operation to entrap supposed arms dealers who turn out to be peddling a fucking stone thrower. Furthermore, convincing angry adolescents that wasting a blustery afternoon grilling a bunch of useless back-benchers about a subject they don’t give a shit about is hardly enlightened documentary making.
It should have been called, ‘Dispatches: It’s been s slow fucking news week, and all the decent presenters are on holiday.’
lol sounds like some ones loves their weapons – your from america arn’t you 😛
lol sounds like some ones loves their weapons – your from america arn’t you 😛