A big victory for Suzanne Breen and journalists' rights to do our job free from fear or coercion.
Last week, I've posted an entry asking to sign a petition in support of Northern Ireland journalist Suzanne Breen, who was facing imprisonment for refusing to surrender confidential sources and information relating to an article on the real IRA.
Yesterday, Judge Thomas Burgess in a Belfast Court refused an application, which would have forced the Northern Editor of the Sunday Tribune to hand over notes, computer equipment and other material obtained in the course of her work as a journalist. The court order was requested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
The National Union of Journalist hailed the judge's decision "a landmark victory for journalism and civil liberties." NUJ president, James Doherty, praised the courage of Breen and her editor, Noirin Hegarty, in standing up to the police. "At last week's hearing, Suzanne and Noirin proudly stood by the NUJ code of conduct and this ruling is justification of their stand," he said.
Amnesty International also welcomed the judge's decision, but issued a note of caution.
“This case had serious implications for the freedom of the press in the UK and Ireland," said Amnesty International Northern Ireland Programme Director Patrick Corrigan.
"Freedom of the press is an essential element of the right to freedom of expression, recognised under international law, and in general includes the principle that journalists must be able to protect their sources.
“We welcome today’s decision but remain concerned at this attempt by the PSNI to use secret evidence and anti-terrorism legislation against a journalist."
Showing posts with label Suzanne Breen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Suzanne Breen. Show all posts
Friday, 19 June 2009
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Petition for Northern Ireland journalist facing jail
Northern Ireland journalist Suzanne Breen could face imprisonment for standing up for a basic principle of journalism. The Northern Ireland editor of the Dublin-based Sunday Tribune is facing the prospect of a court order to surrender confidential source information relating to articles about the Real IRA.
If an order is granted, she faces the prospect of six months to five years in jail. She told a recent London meeting of the National Union of Journalists (UK), she won’t reveal her sources on two grounds: “The first is selfish. My life would be in danger from the Real IRA. I would have a sledgehammer through the door. The alternative is to be hidden in a witness protection scheme. The second reason is that people who speak to journalists confidentially deserve protection. If I breach their confidence just once no one would trust me again - including the officers who talk to me on the quiet.”
Counter-terrorism legislation is being used to allow the police to make their application in private, meaning even Suzanne's own legal team has been excluded from most of the proceedings so far.
The NUJ has taken on her cause and asks fellow journalists and everyone else to support their campaign by taking action below:
Sign our petition
The Police Service of Northern Ireland, which is pushing for Suzanne Breen to reveal her source material, falls under the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Shaun Woodward MP. We need you to send him a message by signing our petition.
Sign our petition.
Please also send the link on to colleagues or circulatea hard copy around your newsroom.
If an order is granted, she faces the prospect of six months to five years in jail. She told a recent London meeting of the National Union of Journalists (UK), she won’t reveal her sources on two grounds: “The first is selfish. My life would be in danger from the Real IRA. I would have a sledgehammer through the door. The alternative is to be hidden in a witness protection scheme. The second reason is that people who speak to journalists confidentially deserve protection. If I breach their confidence just once no one would trust me again - including the officers who talk to me on the quiet.”
Counter-terrorism legislation is being used to allow the police to make their application in private, meaning even Suzanne's own legal team has been excluded from most of the proceedings so far.
The NUJ has taken on her cause and asks fellow journalists and everyone else to support their campaign by taking action below:
Sign our petition
The Police Service of Northern Ireland, which is pushing for Suzanne Breen to reveal her source material, falls under the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Shaun Woodward MP. We need you to send him a message by signing our petition.
Please also send the link on to colleagues or circulate
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