Swedish Pirate Trial Now Officially a Circus

As discussed previously, the trial of the founders of popular torrent site The Pirate Bay was already a circus to begin with – both inside and outside the courtroom. Nonetheless, the Pirates were convicted on April 17th, but the absurdity continued when the Swedish press reported that the judge in the case was a member of industry groups with a direct interest in the case – a likely conflict of interest.

Today the case has officially become a three-ring circus. According to a Swedish newspaper, the judge who was assigned to investigate the conflict of interest has now been removed – due to her membership in the same industry organizations.

Which begs the question: is every judge in Sweden a member of these groups? And if not, why do the ones who are keep getting this case?

On a lighter note, the Pirates have come up with a beautifully petty and vindictive way to handle their fine of 30 million kroner fine: micropayments. They’ve asked their supporters to send payments of a single krona each (about 13 cents US) to the law firm representing the the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). Since each transfer after the first 1000 will cost the law firm 2 krona to process, it’s like fining the plaintiffs in reverse. Evil genius in action.

Meanwhile back in court, the removal of the latest judge has kicked the review over to three other judges, hopefully none of whom have any outside interest in intellectual property issues. Court of Appeals president Fredrik Wersäll expects that decision may come “in a maximum of a few weeks”.