Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not even a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St Nicholas would soon be there.
It's finally that time of year once again. Tomorrow is an day that has been many weeks in the planning; culminating in a bravado of gift exchanging, turkey indulging and falling asleep watching the Queen's Christmas message. In Christianity Christianity celebrates the birth of Jesus, but it's appeal of bringing families together is a social aspect that can be celebrated by many. It is perhaps easy to take the 25th of December for granted, something that arrives each year with the usual expected aplomb. Sometimes we forget those who aren't fortunate enough to celebrate Christmas with their families. Whether it be the man that sleeps rough outside the station, or the men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan or even those who have no family we shouldn't take something that seems to be the 'norm' for granted.
For Akmal Shaikh, a British national, this Christmas may be his last. Mr Shaikh is currently sitting on death row in China after being found carrying 4 Kg of heroin into the country. It is believed that he suffers from a bipolar disorder and lacked the mental capacity to perform the pre-meditated offence. To sentence someone to death seems a barbaric act when the defences in the case aren't properly heard. His appeal was rejected by China's Supreme People's Court and a date of execution was set for the 29th December.
This case has received overwhelming support by campaigners and even the PM, Gordon Brown, has stepped in in the hope of reversing the decision of execution. To date, all these efforts have been unsuccessful. An injustice to a person where had he been in any other country he would have been dealt another fate. If the situation doesn't change Mr Shaikh will never see his wife and three children again. So next time you're tucking into your turkey or just celebrating a joyous day, try to also think about those not lucky enough to do the same.
With that thought in mind would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!
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