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harry potter - Why was Hagrid sent to Azkaban?



I've just finished re-reading Chamber of Secrets and this stuck with me. Once it becomes clear that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened again and the attacks have resumed, The Ministry of Magic arrive and send Hagrid straight to Azkaban.


I just can't get my head around why. Even if Hagrid had opened the Chamber the first time, what evidence did the Ministry have that he was involved in the latest round of attacks? I can understand why they'd want to question him at least, but sending him straight to Azkaban (without even a trial, as far as I'm aware) seems a little extreme.


Was there some other factor involved that I've missed, or was the Ministry just looking for a scapegoat?


There's a similar question regarding the lack of due course with Sirius Black, but the accepted answer doesn't seem to apply to Hagrid's situation.



Answer



Becuause Fudge was a spineless, power-hungry bureaucrat tyrant, more concerned with being seen "doing something" and covering his butt, than actually achieving results.



HP:CoS: Chapter 14, "Cornelius Fudge"


“Yet again, Cornelius, I tell you that taking Hagrid away will not help in the slightest,” said Dumbledore. His blue eyes were full of a fire Harry had never seen before.
“Look at it from my point of view,” said Fudge, fidgeting with his bowler. “I’m under a lot of pressure. Got to be seen to be doing something.




To him, Hagrid is acceptable collateral damage:



If it turns out it wasn’t Hagrid, he’ll be back and no more said. But I’ve got to take him. Got to. Wouldn’t be doing my duty —”
“Take me?” said Hagrid, who was trembling. “Take me where?”
“For a short stretch only,” said Fudge, not meeting Hagrid’s eyes. “Not a punishment, Hagrid, more a precaution. If someone else is caught, you’ll be let out with a full apology —”
“Not Azkaban?” croaked Hagrid.



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