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UK Supreme Court President Speaks Out Against Brexit Death Threats

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Supreme Court President Lord Neuberger warned that death threats against claimants involved in the UK government's appeal case, disputing mandatory parliamentary approval for the launch of the withdrawal process from the European Union, undermine the rule of law

A screen grab shows the British flag with an exit sign superimposed on October 19, 2016 in Paris. - Sputnik International
UK Supreme Court Hearing Over Brexit Constitutional Claim Explained
LONDON (Sputnik) Death threats against claimants involved in the UK government's appeal case, disputing mandatory parliamentary approval for the launch of the withdrawal process from the European Union, undermine the rule of law, Supreme Court President Lord Neuberger warned on Monday.

Anti-Brexit campaigner Gina Miller has reportedly received death threats and sexual and racial abuse since winning the High Court ruling on the issue in November.

"Threats of serious violence and unpleasant abuse in emails and other electronic communications… undermines the rule of law," Neuberger stated in the Supreme Court hearing's opening remarks, as cited by BBC.

Neuberger stressed that, despite the strong feelings the public have regarding the issue, the "appeal is concerned with legal issues, and, as judges, our duty is to consider those issues impartially, and to decide the case according to the law." The court has banned the publication of the names and addresses the claimants.

Outside the Supreme Court building opponents and supporters of Brexit gathered, with a bus bearing a poster stating "IN — Democracy — Leave — Hypocrisy" parked nearby.

On June 23, the United Kingdom chose in a referendum to leave the European Union. UK Prime Minister Theresa May stated that the country would trigger Article 50 of the EU Lisbon Treaty by the end of March 2017, thus starting withdrawal negotiations.

The UK Supreme Court on Monday began hearing the appeal on the decision of the Government of the London High Court of Justice which ruled last month that the government needs Parliament parliamentary approval before triggering the article. The first hearing was attended by all 11 of the Supreme Court judges.

The Supreme Court hearing will end on Thursday and a judgment is expected to be reached by January.

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