Welcome to another Weird and Wacky Wednesdays, where we delve into the most bizarre and humorous law news stories from around the world. This week, we’ve got two stories about governments perceiving problems and trying to govern human behaviour and one about Steven.
Footloose: Chechnya Edition
In an unexpected move, Chechnya has banned all music outside the 80-116 BPM (beats per minute) range, effectively silencing a significant portion of pop and dance music. The region’s culture ministry insists that music must “conform to the Chechen mentality” and avoid extremes in tempo.
This new regulation aims to reshape the local music scene, forbidding genres like techno that typically exceed the 120 BPM mark. Artists had until June 1st to “rewrite” any non-compliant music or face a ban on public performance but as of now, there appears no one that has done so. This is clearly a freedom of expression issue and an example of how there are no protections of such a right in a totalitarian state.
Don’t take your rights for granted, even when it comes down to BPM.
License, Registration and Luggage Tag Please
This next story deals with problems with evolving technology. Owing to a surge in tourism, Japan is grappling with a new issue: the rising popularity of motorized rideable suitcases. These quirky devices, popularized by celebrities and seen as convenient by many travelers, have hit a legal roadblock. Japanese law classifies these motorized suitcases as vehicles requiring safety equipment and a driver’s license.
Last month a Chinese student in Osaka rode her suitcase on the sidewalk which led to increased scrutiny and enforcement. In July, an Indonesian boy was warned it was illegal to ride his suitcase when he was caught doing so in Osaka’s bustling Dotonbori district. Airports and police are now urging retailers to inform customers about these regulations. The BC Motor Vehicle Act has been modified to recognize new forms of transportation, but we are not sure whether they contemplated motorized suitcases.
Steven “Seagull” Puts a Convenience Store Under Siege
Like the name of the action movie portrayed by the famous actor, a convenience store is actually under siege. A seagull named “Steven Seagull” has been banned from a convenience store in Wyke Regis, Dorset, for repeatedly stealing packets of crisps. Over the past six years, Steven has become a notorious thief, favoring BBQ beef-flavored crisps.
Store manager Stuart Harmer has put up signs urging customers to close the door to keep Steven out, but the crafty bird persists. Steven’s antics have been witnessed by numerous customers, and despite efforts to deter him, he continues his thieving spree, even pecking at the door to gain entry. The community has come to see Steven as a local legend; a Robin Hood of sorts, who steals from the store and eats the chips himself.
Animal law is an evolving area of practice. Animal criminal defence may very well become an evolving area of practice if this store can’t stop Steven from stealing their chips.
