Drieu Godefridi delivers a scathing critique of the European Union’s recent actions, likening them to a dark revival of an ancient punishment known as “civil death.” This policy, although abolished in France in 1854, has allegedly resurfaced in a more brutal form—an act of administrative power that essentially nullifies an individual’s civil rights without due process. The EU’s decision to impose such penalties reflects a troubling trend in governance—one that Godefridi argues is both arbitrary and undemocratic.
At the center of this discussion is Swiss Colonel Jacques Baud, who fell victim to the EU’s sweeping authority under a decision made on December 15, 2024. Without clear accusations, he was banned from EU territory and had all his assets frozen. Godefridi’s investigation reveals a troubling opacity within the EU’s legal processes, where individuals can be targeted under vaguely defined terms like “manipulation of information.” This concept raises significant concerns when applied subjectively, making a wide range of speech subject to state repression.
The ambiguity surrounding “manipulation of information” is profoundly problematic. Godefridi points out that much of the EU’s communication could be seen as such, especially regarding narratives spun since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He highlights how this propagandistic framing might be both a form of information manipulation and a mechanism through which the EU maintains control over its narratives.
The legal framework established by the EU grants immense power to its officials, particularly the “Minister of Foreign Affairs,” currently Kaja Kallas, to impose civil death on individuals with little accountability. Godefridi emphasizes that the decision-making lacks the foundational principles of justice—no trial, no hearing, and no opportunity for the accused to defend themselves. This stands in stark contrast to historical precedents where even accused individuals had the right to speak before their sentences were pronounced. Godefridi notes, “Even the courts of the Inquisition allowed the accused to speak before sentencing them,” underscoring the severity of the EU’s new policy.
By resurrecting civil death as a punitive measure, Godefridi paints the EU as stepping toward despotism. The vagueness of legal definitions allows for arbitrary enforcement, acting as a tool for power to silence dissenting voices. The consequence is a chilling effect on freedom of speech and thought. He presents a harrowing portrait of Kallas, whose advocacy for aggressive policies against Russia clouds her judgment and fuels a broader strategy that may jeopardize peace in Europe.
Godefridi does not shy away from drawing parallels between historical injustices and contemporary actions taken by the EU. The ability to impose civil death is presented as a form of absolute power, echoing the darkest chapters of authoritarian rule. He critiques this power grab, stating that it exemplifies the rise of an arbitrary system that disregards fundamental legal principles and reduces individuals to mere subjects of state whim.
Ultimately, Godefridi’s analysis serves as a warning about the erosion of civil liberties under the guise of national security and political correctness. The resurrection of civil death, though masked in modern legal terminology, undermines the core tenets of justice and due process. Through his sharp observations and historical context, he urges vigilance against such encroachments on individual rights, signaling a need for greater accountability within the EU’s governance structures.
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