A recent court ruling has stirred significant unrest over police surveillance of journalists. The Investigatory Powers Tribunal revealed that the Metropolitan Police and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) acted improperly by spying on journalists. This included targeting Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney, who created the documentary “No Stone Unturned.” This film exposed police involvement with a paramilitary group behind the 1994 murder of six innocent Catholics in Loughinisland, County Down.
The PSNI admitted to monitoring more than 500 lawyers and over 300 journalists, including several from the BBC. Following these revelations, PSNI chief John Boutcher brought in special advocate Angus McCullough KC to address the concerns, but many believe this review lacks the power needed to fully investigate the issue. Campaigners are calling for a public inquiry into police surveillance practices, not just in Northern Ireland, but across the UK.
Conservative MP David Davis openly criticized the PSNI’s culture of intimidation against journalists. In a letter to McCullough, he expressed worries that the review might not reveal the full scope of the PSNI’s actions. He highlighted that the PSNI has a history of withholding critical evidence, often only uncovered through outside sources like Durham Police.
Davis noted patterns that suggest the PSNI routinely misrepresents its surveillance motives. They claimed to be investigating a public official leaking sensitive information, but the real target appears to have been the journalists involved. This raises serious concerns about press freedom and the public’s right to know.
After the ruling, both Birney and McCaffrey emphasized the urgent need for a public inquiry. They pointed out the lack of oversight in police operations and called for deeper investigations. Birney expressed that the judgment highlights systematic spying on not just journalists, but also lawyers and human rights defenders.
David Davis remarked that this ruling marks a significant moment in understanding the extent of police misconduct. He lamented that past criticisms of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal were misplaced, as this ruling unveiled troubling patterns of dishonesty within state agencies.
Daniel Holder from the Committee on the Administration of Justice echoed these concerns, asserting that the police have violated the rule of law. He warned that this behavior appears to be part of a broader trend seeking to hide police involvement in past conflicts. Meanwhile, Patrick Corrigan of Amnesty International hailed the ruling as a pivotal moment for journalism and the protection of sources, which he described as fundamental to any free society.
Disclosures from the tribunal hearings revealed that the PSNI had conducted operations to monitor calls among police officers, checking them against journalist phone numbers. Although they paused these activities during the hearings, they signaled intentions to restart them. Birney highlighted that the PSNI’s approach resembled a widespread dragnet against journalists and advocates, raising alarms about the implications for press freedom and accountability in policing.