As some of you may have noticed, the Scandalion published a
"message from the crown" in their Saturday edition. A message from the
"Stormwind High Command", which—conveniently enough—does not include a single name or title, leaving no one accountable.
First of all, let me say I am surprised that instead of contacting the Lion's Roar with this, they decided to go to another newspaper, without even attempting to contact The Lion's Roar.
But I suppose it is convenient to have it published in the newspaper which has already admitted to shying away from printing a story because the military says so.
The Scandalion was offered to ask questions in a meeting where this
"Public communication" was handed to them. Sadly, we were not invited, and if the Scandalion did ask questions, then they really should have shown that in their paper. Instead, we are left with the impression that the Scandalion is little more than a mouthpiece for the military and the crown. A public relations department of the military.
It has taken the
"Stormwind High Command"—whoever that is—two weeks to make a proclamation. And what does it actually say? Well, let's digest it a bit.
"We acknowledge Hardhy Lester's recent article regarding the events in Stormwind. However, it contains significant inaccuracies and omissions:
Unverified Sources: The article relies heavily on hearsay and unverified accounts from individuals involved in criminal activities.
Hearsay and Speculation: The information presented is distorted by members of a criminal cult and those seeking to cast themselves favourably, offering no side of the story from local authorities."
It mentions my article is based on unverified sources. No, we know who the sources are—it is there in my article, black on white. I am very clear about this. I even questioned how innocent they really are.
I don't think much in the interview casts them in a favourable light; they even clearly dodge some of my questions and avoid giving me straight answers. The only sources not mentioned are sources who confirmed the events that Sunday, events no one has disputed happened mind you, not even the
"Stormwind High Command".
They also mentioned that I didn't offer them their side of the story. This is correct, for one main reason. I don't know who they are—I didn't then, and I still don't. There are a dozen military units in the city. I did, however, several times in the article, make it clear I was ready if someone wanted to reach out and offer their story. No one from the military did.
The proclamation goes on:
"Intelligence Security: Details are classified to protect ongoing investigations and operatives."
Ah, the convenient excuse. I think most of us know to be worried whenever the military starts talking about classified information. Here is a hint, if you want to keep something secret, don't kill people in the capital city with plenty of witnesses. It tends not to be very secret at that point.
"Gratifying Criminals: The article appears to give undue credibility to individuals associated with a known cult involved in multiple criminal activities. This not only misleads the public but also undermines the efforts of those working to protect our kingdom."
Where is the misleading part? Did they not get killed in the street? The actual events have never once been disputed, and the
"Public communication" does not do so either. There is not a single attempt at claiming the events did not happen, that people were not cut down in the street. Why is this? Because they did happen. Their only excuse is
"But uuh, we think they were bad."
Article continues after the ad.
Then they go on to list the cult's alleged crimes—I have no idea if those are true or not—I do, however, find it interesting that someone can be guilty of "Ritual Suicide: Summoning void and decay entities in Duskwood by means of mass ritual suicide." If they actually did that, wouldn't they be dead?
Anyway, let's look at the next bit.
"Additional Considerations
Jumping to defend these actions with misguided judgement based on a lack of facts is dangerous. The journalist does not grasp the full extent of the crime ring and inadvertently defends murderers."
Again, learn to read,
"Stormwind High Command". I do not defend murderers. I object to people being cut down in the street with no trial by an angry mob consisting of everyone from angry street-cleaners, random Ebon Knights, mercenaries, and military personnel.
I object to people being cut down for maybe being part of a cult which has done a lot of bad things. I object to people being cut down with no attempt being made to verify if individuals in this group actually did these things. I object to that. And I certainly object to their bodies being disposed of before ANYONE had a chance to verify who the hell was just killed. I doubt
"Stormwind High Command" even has a list of casualties for the massacre. They just had everyone in a hood and a robe cut down.
Finally, the last bit.
"Conclusion
Freedom of worship is crucial but must be distinguished from dangerous cult activities. Actions taken were based on substantial evidence to protect public safety. We urge the public to approach such reports with caution and await further official statements."
Public Safety. If I had been the Scandalion, I would have asked about this (amongst other things) where was the threat? Why was it such a high threat that they could not simply apprehend them? Most of them were pacified and on the ground when they were killed, so why was it necessary to kill them? We have still not had any answers to this.
So let me try again. Do we really want to live in a society where
"Stormwind High Command" gets to cut down people in the street without trial? Without even trying to identify the people first? Instantly burning their bodies? Is that justice?
Why were they not simply apprehended? Questioned? Why was it necessary to cut them down indiscriminately in the street? And why, in the name of the Light, were random citizens and mercenaries involved? How did these random people verify the identity of the alleged guilty parties before they were killed? Or was it as I said, if someone shouts "cultist" and you're wearing a robe, you are dead, no matter your crimes?
You can accuse me of defending murderers all you want, but I never did, nor will I. Especially not murderers in uniform.
But I will insist anyone who can easily be apprehended are apprehended and have a fair trial—and not butchered in the street because the
"Stormwind High Command" just don't care about lives and people's rights.
In fact, most would realise there is more to be gained from apprehending and interrogating people than killing them in the street. And hey, the bonus effect is it happens to also be more just.