Reporter Richard Medhurst was held in detention for practically 24 hours underneath the UK’s terror legislation
The Worldwide Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and UK’s Nationwide Union of Journalists (NUJ) have condemned the latest arrest within the UK of impartial reporter Richard Medhurst. In a joint letter addressed to New Scotland Yard anti-terrorism head Matt Jukes and dated Tuesday, the unions mentioned they have been “shocked” and “involved” over what they think about “efforts to stifle press freedom.”
A British citizen of Syrian descent, Medhurst was arrested at London’s Heathrow Airport on August 15. In accordance with his personal account offered to a number of media shops, he was pulled off a aircraft and brought to a police station, the place he was held for over 24 hours. His cellphone and work gear have been seized, whereas Medhurst himself was subjected to a search and a questioning.
He was advised he was arrested underneath Part 12 of the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000 on costs of “expressing an opinion or a perception that’s supportive of a proscribed group.” He was finally let go, however mentioned he doesn’t but know whether or not he will likely be charged with any offense.
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ normal secretary, and Anthony Bellanger, IFJ normal secretary, mentioned Medhurst’s arrest “will seemingly have a chilling impact on journalists within the UK and worldwide,” as they might now concern arrest by UK authorities “merely for finishing up their work.”
The chiefs of each the Worldwide Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Nationwide Union of Journalists (NUJ) have issued a joint-statement criticizing my arrest, the seizure of my gear, and using anti-terror laws towards journalists. They’ve written to New… pic.twitter.com/Yy1KNpH6ot
— Richard Medhurst (@richimedhurst) September 4, 2024
“Each the NUJ and IFJ are shocked on the elevated use of terrorism laws by the British police on this method. Journalism just isn’t against the law,” they said, arguing that the “powers contained in anti-terror laws should be deployed proportionately – not wielded towards journalists in ways in which inevitably stifle press freedom.” They requested a gathering with Jukes, urging UK authorities to supply “readability” on Medhurst’s case.
The Terrorism Act 2000 offers police extensive powers to prosecute and punish offenses linked with terrorism. Its Part 12 criminalizes anybody who “invitations assist” for a corporation designated as terrorist or “expresses an opinion or perception that’s supportive” of it. An individual discovered responsible of an offense underneath this part might face imprisonment for as much as 14 years and a hefty high quality.
Medhurst advised the Anadolu information company that he was by no means given a transparent cause for his detention, however mentioned it was seemingly linked to his reporting on the battle in Gaza. The journalist is a vocal supporter of Palestine and its militant group Hamas, thought of a terrorist group by the UK authorities.
He additionally warned that his arrest might set a harmful precedent, noting that London is more and more utilizing the Terrorism Act “not towards terrorists, however towards political dissidents.”
Medhurst covers worldwide affairs on his YouTube channel and hosts a program on Iran’s Press TV, whereas additionally publishing opinion items in different shops. He beforehand contributed a number of articles to RT.
