Northern Ireland: Amnesty response to judgment against MI5 and PSNI in journalist surveillance case

Responding to news of today’s judgment from the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in a case brought by Vincent Kearney and the BBC, Grainne Teggart, Northern Ireland Deputy Director for Amnesty International UK, said: 

"We welcome today’s decision; covert and unlawful surveillance of reporters is a direct attack on the free and fearless reporting society needs to hold power accountable. Democracy depends on a free press. 

“Police forces and the security service are not above the law and must be held accountable for wrongdoing.

“It's critical that we now see full transparency, accountability and a decisive end to the unlawful surveillance of journalists and dangerous disregard of press freedom.

“The chilling effect of these unlawful actions by police and the security service remains deeply concerning and demands nothing less than cast-iron safeguards to protect journalism.

“Trust must be restored and the rights of journalists respected, protected and upheld.”