SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has branded the treatment of journalists in Northern Ireland subjected to police surveillance as ‘a scandal’ and has called for full disclosure of the truth from the police and intelligence services involved.
Mr Eastwood was speaking from the Royal Courts of Justice in London this afternoon where he was supporting journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey ahead of an Investigatory Powers Tribunal hearing into alleged unlawful surveillance against the pair.
Said the Foyle MP: “The widespread, systemic and routine surveillance of journalists and others undertaking public interest investigations in Northern Ireland has been nothing short of a scandal.
“Surveillance by police and intelligence services has been used as a form of summary punishment against those seeking to shine a light on injustice or wrongdoing and it is absolutely unacceptable.
“The process of this hearing itself has underscored the approach from state agencies which has been to frustrate the administration of justice with late disclosures and obfuscation.
“We stand with Trevor, Barry and all those who have undertaken public interest journalism in the North – they have challenged authority and the use of power in the interests of people who often feel powerless.”