* Update Below * John Bolton, former US Ambassador to the United Nations, will be speaking in Wales this evening, and George Monbiot, a self-righteous peace activist, says he has plans to perform a "citizen's arrest" on him. The Dyfed-Powys Police have been in contact with Monbiot and are aware of the planned action, and supposedly are actually considering the arrest, although I can't believe they actually will. Monbiot calls himself a "journalist," and "activist," but I think he is nothing more than a left-wing publicity hound with an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

It appears that Britain actually has a law that allows for one citizen to detain another without a warrant or police involvement. The law is part of the Serious and Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. Thankfully, others believe that Monbiot's attempt to arrest John Bolton would not be legal:

Peter Florence, director of the Hay Festival, said Mr Monbiot's attempt at a citizen's arrest would be "completely unlawful".

He said: "The Hay Festival has sought the advice of both police and lawyers, and has been unequivocally assured that a citizen's arrest, or an attempt to instigate a citizen's arrest, would be completely unlawful in these circumstances.

"The Hay Festival encourages visitors to voice their opinions, but also requires that, in their expression, they respect both the law and the speaker."

Even with that being the case, I think Monbiot will in fact try to carry out his protest. And I hope John Bolton will regard this as an unlawful assault on his freedom and an insult. And I also hope John Bolton, like any well known figure in politics, travels with some Secret Service style goons that will stop Monbiot if he tries to pull anything.


* Update * It appears I was correct:

Mr Monbiot was blocked by two heavily-built security guards at the end of the one-and-a-half hour appearance, before he could serve a "charge sheet" on him.

After being released by the guards the columnist - a fierce critic of the 2003 American-led invasion - made a dash through the rain-soaked tented village in a failed attempt to catch up with Mr Bolton.

Ha!