NUJ responds to arrests of journalists at Palestine Action protest
The NUJ has issued a statement following the arrest of numerous journalists at a Palestine Action protest in Leicestershire on 8 October.
Laura Davison, NUJ general secretary, said:
“The NUJ is concerned by reports that multiple journalists were arrested while covering a protest in Leicestershire - and is currently seeking further details, including from those affected.
“It is reported that the journalists were arrested under anti-terrorism laws and then de-arrested at a protest allegedly displaying support for the proscribed group Palestine Action.
“As the union made clear following the UK government’s decision to ban the organisation last year, covering Palestine Action protests and taking photographs or videos of the group's placards does not in of itself constitute support for the group. We reiterate that bona fide newsgatherers have a right to report - including at protests and other public order events.
“Any obstruction of this right not only has a chilling effect on free speech and a free press, it also undermines the public’s right to know. These rights have come under increasing attack in recent years with the introduction of restrictive legislation around protests and strikes, the detention of journalists under the Terrorism Act, and increasing intimidation and physical assaults against journalists from members of the public.
“The NUJ will robustly defend its members when counter-terror legislation is abused to obstruct the right to report in the public interest. We will continue to raise such issues directly with the UK government as well as through our ongoing engagement with police bodies, and as part of the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists. We also point members to our guidance on reporting on proscribed organisations.”