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Artists and politicians support protection of sources
Hundreds of politicians, human rights campaigners, celebrities and journalists have joined forces to support NUJ member Suzanne Breen - who faces jail if she refuses to hand over material to police in Northern Ireland.
They are among 5,000 people who have signed petitions backing the Sunday Tribune Northern Editor’s refusal to hand over background information on stories about the Real IRA.
Investigative journalist John Pilger, actor Stephen Rea, singer Christy Moore, and Booker prize-winning writer Roddy Doyle are among those supporting Suzanne.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has applied under the Terrorism Act for Suzanne to hand over phones, computers and notes.
She faces up to five years in jail for not complying. The case will be heard in Belfast on Thursday (June 11).
The full list of influential supporters was published in the Sunday Tribune yesterday.
It includes politicians from Northern Ireland’s unionist and nationalist traditions.
There is also an online petition that everyone can sign and hard copies can be printed out and distributed.
Jeremy Dear, NUJ General Secretary, said: “Suzanne is sticking to the NUJ’s Code of Conduct and we support her 100 percent.
“If journalists give up their sources to the state it will stop whistleblowers coming forward and make it impossible for the media to scrutinise those in power.
“It is also a matter of honour and personal safety for journalists who give their word to contacts that sources will be treated as confidential.
“I call on the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to stop this legal action which is an attempt to intimidate Suzanne and a waste of time and money.”
The NUJ is organising demonstrations in Belfast and London to coincide with Thursday’s court hearing.
Please gather at 9.15am outside:
- The Laganside Courts, 45 Oxford Street, Belfast. BT1 3LL - opposite the Waterfront Hall.
- The Northern Ireland Office, 11 Millbank, London SW1P 4PN – where the petition will be handed in.
There is still time for Suzanne’s supporters to write to their UK Members of Parliament and Irish TDs and Senators.
8 June 2009
