The Sunday News
London — British lawmaker Jo Cox’s alleged killer ranted against “traitors” during a brief court appearance on Saturday, as EU referendum campaigning was suspended for a third day in tribute to the slain MP. “Death to traitors, freedom for Britain,” 52-year-old Thomas Mair said when asked to give his name at
Westminster Magistrate’s Court in London in his first appearance after being charged with murder, British media reported.
Cox, who was handcuffed and wearing a grey tracksuit, then remained silent when asked to provide his date of birth and address, the reports said. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance at London’s Old Bailey central criminal court on Monday and a psychiatric report has been requested.
Previous allegations about him cannot be reported under British law in order not to prejudice the case against him. Both sides in the deeply divisive campaign ahead of a referendum on EU membership on next Thursday have cancelled events amid calls for a less acrimonious political debate.
A member of the opposition Labour Party and former aid worker, Cox was an advocate for refugee rights and immigration and wanted Britain to remain in the European Union.
She was shot and stabbed in the street in a daylight attack on Thursday in her constituency in northern England as she was heading for a meeting with local residents.
Although the motive is undetermined, some politicians and commentators have pointed to the heated referendum debate, where sensitive issues like national identity and immigration have featured prominently.
Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Friday brought bouquets to a floral tribute near the scene of the attack in Birstall in Yorkshire.
Cameron spoke out for “tolerance” and against “hatred” in British politics, saying the country was “rightly shocked” at the killing of the 41-year-old mother of two. — News24
