The Associated press has reported that a Swiss Pirate Party was launched on Sunday in Zurich, Switzerland. The political party promotes Internet freedom and copyright reform and aims to follow in the footsteps of the Swedish pirate party that won a seat at the European Parliament.
According to a party statement, the new party was formed by a group of about 150 people under the name “Ahead.” The party’s platform includes free access to knowledge, culture and the media, human rights and privacy.
Whether the Swedish Pirate’s Party or Israel’s Kadima Party (literally forwards, or ahead) will sue for copyright or trademark infringement is not yet known. The issue of IP Abuse in politics is so rife that one would not be surprised.
Kadima was set up by Ariel Sharon and Olmert following a referendum of the Likud membership that they lost. Based on various corruption charges they could be considered crooks with a degree of legitimacy. The title pirate would, however, be more appropriate perhaps for Moshe Dyan with his eye-patch.
Why the landlocked Swiss want to promote rights for pirates is anyone’s guess.
