Around ten police officers arrived at the Winstanley’s apartment in North London on the morning of 17 October and handed the journalist warrants and other papers authorising them to search his house and vehicle for devices and documents, The Electronic Intifada reported.
The NUJ recognised the raid as the latest in a string of targeted approaches by UK police officers using anti-terror legislation and contributing to a concerning police culture where the rights of journalists and their ability to ensure the safety of sources is placed at risk.
The seizure of journalistic material and devices, the detention of journalists, and the failure of police to sufficiently outline reasons for the apparent pursuit of journalists has raised alarm among members of the public for its undermining impact on journalism and media freedom.
Last month, the IFJ and the NUJ expressed grave concern over the chilling effect of freelance journalist Richard Medhurst, who was arrested upon arrival at London Heathrow Airport on 15 August, under the Terrorism Act 2000. The journalist’s phone and recording devices – essential journalistic equipment – were seized. Following the incident, the IFJ and the NUJ sent a letter to Matt Jukes, UK Head of Counter Terrorism Policing with concerns.
In a statement, the NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: "Abuse and mis-use of counter-terror legislation has serious ramifications for public confidence in the police whilst directly threatening the safety of journalists. The UK government cannot on one hand state its commitment to valuing media freedom whilst endorsing the targeting of journalists through raids and seizures of journalistic material in this manner. [...] We seek further detail of Operation Incessantness with clarity on considered safeguards to prevent the unlawful investigations of journalists”.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “The IFJ is shocked at the increased use of terrorism legislation by the British police, and firmly condemns the abuse of counter-terror legislation as harmful to journalists and media freedom. The recent practices of the police clash with the UK government’s defence of freedom of expression and its commitment to journalism, which is one of the pillars of democracy. All use of terrorism legislation must be proportionate or risk grave harm to media freedom”.