Photographers to converge on Scotland Yard
Under the initiative of the National Union of Journalists, and in association with BJP, more than 200 photographers are expected to converge on New Scotland Yard on 16 February, the day a new Counter-Terrorism Act comes into force, potentially reducing public photography rights.
The National Union of Journalists, in association with BJP, has called for photographers to make their voices heard at a media event on 16 February as a new law is introduced that allows for the arrest - and imprisonment - of anyone who takes pictures of police officers 'likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism'.
Set to become law on 16 February, the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 amends the Terrorism Act 2000 regarding offences relating to information about members of armed forces, a member of the intelligence services, or a police officer.
The new set of rules, under section 76 of the 2008 Act and section 58A of the 2000 Act, will target anyone who 'elicits or attempts to elicit information about (members of armed forces) ... which is of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism'.
A person found guilty of this offence could be liable to imprisonment for up to 10 years, and to a fine.
The law is expected to increase the anti-terrorism powers used today by police officers to stop photographers, including press photographers, from taking pictures in public places.
The NUJ has teamed up with Mark Thomas, a writer, broadcaster, comic and political activisit, Chris Atkins, who is behind the documentary Taking Liberties, photojournalist Marc Vallée and BJP for a media event outside New Scotland Yard on Monday 16 February. 'The plan is simple, turn up with your camera and exercise your democratic right to take a photograph in a public place,' says Vallée.
For more information, visit www.nuj.org.uk, the Facebook event page or 1854.eu for further updates and coverage.
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