Arcadia, 26/05/2022
LAW The Lièvremont case is finally judged by Laeden's Supreme Court
The researcher appealed to Laeden's highest court after being found guilty for illegally tampering with human genomes and conducting unethical medical research.
After being convicted in the ordinary court and having the conviction endorsed by the High Court of Arandor, Professor Pierre-Louis Lièvremont, from the Illyrian Technology Institute, filed a Constitutional Complaint with the Supreme Court of Laeden, seeking to overturn his criminal conviction. The professor's defense argued that the research developed by him, in the area of bioengineering and genetic manipulation, is aimed at improving human beings and improving the health of the population in general. He argued, the defense, that these objectives are in line with the general guiding principles of the Laeden legal system, being constitutional and, consequently, not being able to be the target of state punitive power.
Chief Justice Gilles Saignes appointed an extraordinary commission, consisting of Justices Casper, Alphenor and Lecne, to consider the case. The commission, chaired by Justice Alphenor, also had the illustrious presence of the Archbishop of Pontmercy, the eminent Ernest Leclère, accompanied by Father Gaspard Affré. The presence of the clerical delegation was due to the fact that the Catholic Church participated in the trial as an amicus curiae, a legal term used to designate third parties interested in a given legal discussion, and who want to participate in the debate by bringing information of high technical, scientific, moral value. or philosophical that can collaborate with the decision of the judges.
In their manifestation, representatives of the Catholic Church initially argued that the human condition is a reflection of the divine, and that, consequently, it is inherently immoral to proceed with studies and experiments that can structurally modify a human being in its most basic aspect, which it's your genetic code. It was questioned whether the real purpose of these experiments is to really provide more health to people, or if behind this discourse there are less noble interests that would be linked to the interest in genetic manipulation. The representative also pointed out the enormous harmful potential of the manipulation of genetically modified organisms if they proliferate in the form of laboratory isolation, which could become new pathogens of potentially lethal diseases for human beings. Last but not least, the Catholic representative argued that even if genetic experiments are successful and cures for new diseases are found, or methods of improving cognition and the physical condition of human beings are safely and efficiently developed, the gene therapy needed to do so would likely be expensive and unaffordable for the majority of the population. The technological and genetic revolution, therefore, could end up deepening the systemic social inequalities that are observed in virtually all societies in the world, including Laeden's.
The rapporteur of the case, Justice Alphenor, began the exposition of his arguments soon after, agreeing, in many parts, with the amicus curiae. Justice pointed out that uncontrolled genetic modification and beyond ethical parameters can have as a final conclusion the creation of beings whose genome is so modified that they cannot even be considered human. The creation of new species, in addition to representing an attack against the concept of humanity and being potentially destructive to humanity as a whole, is not included in the scope of fundamental rights and principles of the Laeden Constitution, so that the researcher's activity violates both ethical and moral precepts as well as legal and constitutional ones, deserving, consequently, the severe reprimand of the State. The Justice argued that although the legislation on the subject is nebulous, as there is, in fact, no specific law to deal with biotechnology issues, the Supreme Court could not fail to appreciate the merits, since judges are not given the right to choose or select the cases they wish to judge. For this reason, the Justice celebrated the participation of the Catholic Church as amicus curiae, for having provided strong ethical and moral arguments that could help in the formation of the judge's conviction about the case, and that cannot be a priori discarded, especially in the case in question, which lacks clear and unambiguous legislation. At the same time, Justice Alphenor conjectured that Laeden's resources, both human and financial, should be devoted to building a more just, fraternal and egalitarian society, and not in pursuit of unattainable dreams or technical-scientific ambitions such as genetic engineering. , machine intelligence, artificial exploration and other extravagances.
Next, Justice Casper spoke out, arguing that advances in genetic engineering studies represent a unique possibility of improving the physical and cognitive conditions of human beings, which, as a logical consequence, leads to an improvement in the quality of life of these human beings. beings, which should be the main goal for the Laedenian State. Justice condemns the conduct of studies in an unethical manner and without complying with regulations and strict safety parameters, but, on the other hand, celebrates the fact that Laeden has qualified professionals who can put the country at the forefront of the study of the human genome and its improvement. . Casper argues that technological techniques and tools have been used, to a greater or lesser extent, to improve human life for centuries. Makeup, medicines, surgeries, prostheses, and many other items are common in the modern world and allow human beings to operate beyond their usual conditions, or adapt to limitations and obstacles in their lives. The study of genetic engineering, therefore, cannot be seen as fundamentally revolutionary, since the basic premise behind it is already a reality in the contemporary world. If genetic engineering is not revolutionary in its fundamental aspect, however, it certainly is in its scope, since it presents the possibility of making profound changes in the human being, from manipulating embryos to present desirable physical traits, to fighting viruses and degenerative diseases in adults. Justice concludes that it is naive to think that moral arguments can, indefinitely, impede the march of progress, and that, consequently, the law should not be interpreted as an obstacle to the performance of the noble scientific activity. For this reason, Casper favored Professor Lièvremont's appeal.
The last pronouncement was made by Justice Lecne, who argued that the attribution of defining general and specific parameters and norms for scientific and experimentation activities falls on the Legislative Power, together with entities representing research groups and technical and regulatory agencies, not falling to the Supreme Court draw this kind of line. Furthermore, the Supreme Court must always judge in a way that is restricted to the legislation, and resist the impulse to be carried away by one's passions and convictions of a philosophical and spiritual nature when considering a case. On the topic of genetic manipulation, Lecne recognized the enormous potential of this new technology, along with other technologies such as the integration of machines and humans, for example. Justice, however, pondered in depth the risk of these new technologies collaborating with social divisions, and concluded emphatically that discoveries with such potential should have their fruits reaped by Laedenian society as a whole, and not just by a restricted class. of individuals who enjoy favorable financial conditions. Lecne also pointed out that the episode represents a moment of enormous advancement and development of national science, which is commendable, and that it would be up to the Laedenian State to offer Professor Lièvremont safer and more transparent conditions for conducting his research. Nevertheless, one cannot ignore the irresponsibility of carrying out research of this nature in inappropriate environments, which makes the teacher indeed deserving of state sanction, albeit to a lesser degree.
In view of the exposition of the decisions of each of the Justices, the Court agreed to maintain the conviction given to the Professor, mitigating it and fixing it only on the payment of a fine equivalent to 5,000 dollars. The Court also referred the case and decision to the Science and Technology Committee of the Laeden Senate, for discussion of the case and the subsequent drafting of a law to regulate biotechnological activity, genetic manipulation and the conduct of other types of research. .
INTERNATIONAL Laedenian delegation arrives at Dociara
Personally led by the Chairman of the Senate, mr. Delacroix, the Laedenian delegation has arrived in Roendavar to discuss numerous topics after the Sunset incident shook the relations between Dociara and Arcadia
The Laeden delegation arrived this morning at Athelaai Aragonus Airport in Augostheilas. From there, they were escorted by local authorities to the city of Dociara, where they were housed at the Laeden embassy, on Av. Malanthies, 4-6, Lascien District. Chairman Delacroix received an invitation to address the Hall of the Tree at an official session of the High Council. However, the Laedenian delegation unfortunately arrived late, due to numerous protests that were organized by local political groups, who were demonstrating against the Laedenian occupation of Sunset Isle. At one point, the driver of the Laedenian delegation got lost, and it took the intervention of local security authorities to rescue the car from Laeden's entourage (which was surrounded by protesters) and take it to the correct destination.
At the Hall of the Tree, Delacroix gave a long and passionate speech on the importance of defending human rights, the rights of self-determination, improving the population's quality of life and increasing social investments. Delacroix said that Roendavar, in many ways, serves as a parameter and a model that Laeden follows and on which Laeden is inspired and that, for this reason, he feels deeply honored to be able to visit the country and get to know better the people and government of Roendavar. Delacroix pointed out that some warmongering and expansionist attitudes do not reflect the wishes of the majority of the Laedenian population, thus making a subtle criticism of Proconsul Maurice Galland and the way he dealt with the crisis on Sunset Isle. Delacroix reinforced Laeden's immense interest in seeking new partnerships and alliances with Roendavar, and assured that Laeden will strive to be a reliable partner and a nation that respects basic human rights standards, pillars that must guide the action of all countries and of all states.
After finishing his speech, Delacroix insisted on talking separately with some members of the High Council, greeting everyone and clarifying doubts or even listening to criticisms, without contesting them or retorting in any way.
After talking with the High Council member representatives, Delacroix met with the Thronai of Roendavar for a meeting, at which he spoke mainly about strategies for repairing relations between Laeden and Roendavar. Delacroix insisted on seeking a political and cultural approach to Roendavar, showing himself, in this regard, to be very different from Consul Gaspar d’Albignac, whose diplomatic approach is almost exclusively economic or, to a lesser extent, scientific. Delacroix expressed the importance of Roendavar for the construction of Laedenian national culture and reinforced that he considers it absolutely appropriate that more Roendavar artists come to Laeden, as he believes that culture is an important bridge for rebuilding trust and friendship between the two nations. Delacroix also addressed the recent expansion in the entertainment industry in Laeden, and invited companies from Roendavar that operate in this sector to consider investing in Laeden, making culture and entertainment tools for economic approximation and, consequently, for common prosperity. of the two nations. Delacroix tried to show as much sympathy and cordiality as possible, and he knew how to listen to criticism of Laeden's foreign policy, even though he had no power over decisions about the Sunset Isle adventure. At the end of the meeting, he reinforced the interest in building partnerships and invited the Thronai to visit Laeden whenever they wish.
At the end of the day, Delacroix had a formal dinner in the presence of Celion, at the Palace of the Life God, in the Iralanen district. In keeping with tradition, Delacroix offered Celion a Laedenian flag as a gift and as a gesture of friendship and respect. Laeden's representative also offered some Laedenian wines from illustrious brands for Celion's personal collection. During the dinner, Delacroix reinforced the interest in cultural partnerships with Roendavar, as well as pointing out that the Laeden market was promising for Roendavarian capital, especially in the clean energy and waste treatment industries. Delacroix also suggested expanding tourism between the two nations by easing visa requirements, and seeking greater cooperation in academia through university partnerships between higher education institutions in Laeden and Roendavar. When asked about issues related to the environment and respect for the rights of natives, Delacroix personally committed to following the actions of the Laeden government and ensuring that the country followed the strictest standards of environmental responsibility and human rights.
Delacroix will remain in Dociara for two more days until he returns to Laeden. During this time, his adviser informed that he intends to meet with other political and social leaders in Roendavar to discuss matters of common interest, and that he will also have conversations with the local business community to attract investments to Laeden. For security reasons, the press office informed that Delacroix will not carry out any tourist tour, and will be staying at the facilities of the Laedenian embassy.
Other NewsInternational: The Laedenian government also announced the arrival of a new ambassador to the nation, appointed by the Ahnslen government. Mr Daniel Kerrasta landed late last night at Arcadia International Airport before being taken to the Ahnslen ambassador’s residence not far from the embassy. The Government, by a statement early this morning, announces that it will receive the ambassador during a special official dinner to be held at the Counsil Gaspar d’Albignac, who will be present at the event and personally greet the official. Given Laeden’s political, economic and cultural proximity to AInslie, the arrival of a new ambassador is always an event of note for the government - especially considering the importance of relations with the ally from Gael.
It is also said to mark a shift in the way Ahnslen-Laedenian relations will be conducted into the future, with a clear gear change from the Ahnslens shown merely from the incoming ambassador’s resume. Kerrasta is a retired Captain from the Ahnslen Regional Stability Force, having served in peacekeeping and anti-crime operations in Keverai in 2017. After he stepped down from that, ACEGAD approached him in order to stand for a by-election in the Dallaran seat of Jannerow. He considered the offer, which was presented to him by confidante and close friend former Prime Minister Andrew Kenzai before declining, paving the way for a local candidate to run instead. He then accepted a high profile role at Ainslie’s foremost national security thinktank, the Ahnslen Centres for International Security (ACIS), where he became a well known name in the defence community because of his charisma, personability and technical expertise. A week ago, he stepped down from the role in order to take up the position of Ambassador to Laeden from Ainslie. The appointment of Kerrasta seems to be a signal of Prime Minister Gifford’s interest in deepening the relationship between the two nations, owing to the prominence of their presumably hand-picked candidate. It also seems to suggest Ainslie’s enthusiasm in making Laeden a close partner in thwarting organised crime, a scourge Captain Kerrasta has personal experience of given his time in Keverai. Despite the politics surrounding the appointment, Kerrasta was all smiles yesterday at Narara Airport where he was sent off after a small press conference with Foreign Minister Gerslin.“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to serve Ainslie and further our interests with a friendly government. There is much ground to cover and much to do and I am enthusiastic to be a part of making that happen from Day One.”
Military: Proconsul Maurice Galland announced joint training with the Hyukai Navy. A detachment of five ships will leave Illion tomorrow, departing for the Eterna Sea, where naval exercises will be carried out in order to increase the level of readiness and technical training of the militaries of the two countries. Internal sources say ASW will be one of the main focuses of joint operations. After the difficulties the Laeden Navy had in detecting submarines during the Sunset Isle crisis, improving naval capabilities in this area became a priority for the Laedenian military. The exercise with Hyukai represents, for Laeden, an opportunity to improve his capabilities in this area, in addition to collaborating with an important political and economic partner. At the same time, some senior Navy officers will follow the training and, later, will meet with their counterparts from the Hyukai Navy, to discuss improvements and advances in combat doctrine, training and the organization of naval forces. Proconsul was anxious and confident in this partnership, and assured that both nations will benefit considerably from this type of collaboration in military matters.