72 Media freedom

Submitted by National Union of Journalists

Congress welcomes the recent court ruling in favour of investigative journalist Suzanne Breen over protection of journalists’ sources.

Congress salutes Suzanne’s courage and determination in upholding a fundamental principle that is recognised by journalists worldwide.

Congress also notes recent reports on the policing of protests, including the G20 and Climate Camp, and welcomes calls for police and other authorities to respect the rights of working journalists covering protests and public order issues. Congress notes formal apologies from the police to NUJ and BECTU members over their unlawful detention at Kingsnorth.

Congress expresses its concern that these cases represent yet another example of increasing state interference in media freedom.

In many countries, including the UK, protection of sources is increasingly threatened, under the pretext of the ‘war on terrorism’ or immigration policies. Congress notes the rise in the number of attacks on protection of sources and on journalists’ rights to work without government surveillance. Increasing use of stop and search powers, confiscation of cameras, denial of access and arbitrary arrest are part of an increasingly intolerant attitude towards media freedom.

Congress calls on the General Council to make active representations to Government and the police to respect the right of all workers, in particular frontline journalists, to carry out their role free from hindrance or unlawful obstruction or intimidatory surveillance.