Parker said:
A nice bit of selective quoting there. The full quote is more encouraging:
“The commission has no legal status and cannot subpoena witnesses but it will be held in open forum with the press and observers invited to attend every day and everybody can make their own judgment on what evidence is given and make their own conclusions if any invited witness chooses not to attend. It will be open and transparent.”
It has no legal status because that is the law. This is a civil inquest. You can't just make up the law as you see fit.
I actually find that part even more discouraging.
Yes, it is great that it will be open to scrutiny.
But, what about witnesses and whistle blowers (e.g. employees of the UCI) who are concerned about either self-incrimination, or 'consequences'?
With the Sky team policy, for example, there is NO CHANCE WHATSOEVER that any member of Sky will tell the truth in a forum that does not have a mechanism to deal with sensitive issues.
What about non-analytical positives? Anyone who is doping now cannot possibly admit anything or unveil anything about themselves, their suppliers, their team management, UCI facilitation, etc. without facing major personal consequences.
Dave.