Jul 25 2010
Photographic Victory Over Stop & Search Ruling
Earlier this month the European Court of Human Rights rejected the Governments appeal to it’s decision in January that ruled Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 in breach of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
I’m a Photographer, Not a Terrorist! Is a campaign run by photographers for anyone who values visual imagery. It was set up in 2009 in response to new terrorism laws preventing the photographing of police officers. In January it organised a mass photo gathering in Trafalgar Square that attracted over 2,000 photographers from across the country.
It follows a series of high profile incidents of police harassing photographers. The Metropolitan Police accepted liability and paid compensation for a breach of Article 10 when they prevented photojournalist Marc Vallée and videographer Jason Parkinson from covering a demonstration outside the Greek Embassy in 2008.
A 15 year old was stopped photographing army cadets parading in Romford by police claiming they did not need any powers to detain him, he is now taking legal advice about the incident (more on this incident later).
The Home Office are said to be reviewing it’s procedures for photographing people in public order situations as the Financial Times revealed that the police held criminal intelligence reports on people who had not been convicted of any crime.
Campaigners from the I’m a Photographer, Not a Terrorist! group called a flashmob outside New Scotland Yard on 4th July to celebrate the ECHR ruling and call on the Government to repeal s44 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
One of the organisers of Sunday’s flashmob, Jess Hurd said:
For street photographers the battle against the misuse of the terrorism laws has been frustrating and at times absurd.
The abuse of these laws has united amateur and professional in defence of press freedom and civil liberties. We will not be intimidated by these unjust laws that pick on innocent citizens, and criminalise photography.
We urge all those who have been stopped since the original ruling in January to seek legal representation through their respective organisations.
Penny Quinton’s & Kevin Gillan’s victory against s44 in the European Court of Human Rights has been a long struggle for justice, achieved with the support of the NUJ and a committed legal team. It is a major success that should be celebrated across society.
Related News:
Journalists win payout after police admit failing to respect press freedom – The Guardian
Officers claim they don’t need law to stop photographer taking pictures – The Independent
Police use of protest photos will face review – The Financial Times
Judges reject government appeal over stop-and-search – BBC News
