Unions decry British police for detaining journalist
Journalist organizations are expressing their opposition to the arrest of reporter Richard Medhurst, which occurred under the UK's terrorism legislation. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The International Federation of Journalists and the UK’s National Union of Journalists have expressed their disapproval following the arrest of journalist Richard Medhurst in the UK. In a letter to Matt Jukes, head of anti-terrorism at New Scotland Yard, dated Tuesday, the unions expressed their shock and concern, labeling the incident as an attack on press freedom.
Born in Britain and of Syrian heritage, Medhurst was detained at Heathrow Airport on August 15 after being removed from a plane. He recounts that he was taken to a police station and held for nearly a day. During this time, authorities confiscated his phone and work equipment, conducted a search, and interrogated him.
Medhurst was informed that his arrest was due to purported violations under Section 12 of the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000, alleging that he showed support for a banned group. Although released, he remains uncertain about facing any formal charges.
Michelle Stanistreet and Anthony Bellanger, general secretaries of the NUJ and IFJ respectively, believe that this arrest might intimidate journalists globally, deterring them from fulfilling their reporting duties for fear of similar treatment by UK law enforcement.
In their critique, the NUJ and IFJ emphasized the troubling trend of using anti-terror laws to suppress journalistic activities, stating, “Journalism is not a crime.” They have challenged the proportionate use of such powers and are seeking a meeting with Matt Jukes to gain more insight into Medhurst’s situation.
According to the Terrorism Act 2000, it is a serious offense to endorse or invite support for a proscribed organization, punishable by up to 14 years in prison and significant fines.
In an interview with the Anadolu news agency, Medhurst cited his coverage of the Gaza conflict as a possible factor behind his arrest. He pointed out the increasingly broad application of the Terrorism Act in the UK, which he argued is being used more frequently against political opponents rather than actual terrorists.
Medhurst is known for his commentary on global politics through his YouTube channel and his work with Iran’s Press TV. Besides his TV appearances, he writes opinion pieces for various media outlets and has produced content for RT. He warned that his arrest represents a troubling shift in the use of counter-terrorism measures.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
Born in Britain and of Syrian heritage, Medhurst was detained at Heathrow Airport on August 15 after being removed from a plane. He recounts that he was taken to a police station and held for nearly a day. During this time, authorities confiscated his phone and work equipment, conducted a search, and interrogated him.
Medhurst was informed that his arrest was due to purported violations under Section 12 of the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000, alleging that he showed support for a banned group. Although released, he remains uncertain about facing any formal charges.
Michelle Stanistreet and Anthony Bellanger, general secretaries of the NUJ and IFJ respectively, believe that this arrest might intimidate journalists globally, deterring them from fulfilling their reporting duties for fear of similar treatment by UK law enforcement.
In their critique, the NUJ and IFJ emphasized the troubling trend of using anti-terror laws to suppress journalistic activities, stating, “Journalism is not a crime.” They have challenged the proportionate use of such powers and are seeking a meeting with Matt Jukes to gain more insight into Medhurst’s situation.
According to the Terrorism Act 2000, it is a serious offense to endorse or invite support for a proscribed organization, punishable by up to 14 years in prison and significant fines.
In an interview with the Anadolu news agency, Medhurst cited his coverage of the Gaza conflict as a possible factor behind his arrest. He pointed out the increasingly broad application of the Terrorism Act in the UK, which he argued is being used more frequently against political opponents rather than actual terrorists.
Medhurst is known for his commentary on global politics through his YouTube channel and his work with Iran’s Press TV. Besides his TV appearances, he writes opinion pieces for various media outlets and has produced content for RT. He warned that his arrest represents a troubling shift in the use of counter-terrorism measures.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
