The NUJ has criticised the use of evidence given in secret to justify an application to force Sunday Tribune journalist Suzanne Breen to hand over confidential material to the police.
The union is launching an international campaign in support of Breen, Northern Ireland editor of the Dublin based Tribune.
It is concerned that evidence given in Belfast Recorders' Court may never be made available to Suzanne or her legal team.
Judge Tom Burgess stated that he was "minded" to grant the Police Service of Northern Ireland's application but stressed his view could change once he heard Suzanne Breen's case.
NUJ Irish Secretary Séamus Dooley, who was present for the hearing, said the journalist and her legal team will have to prepare their response to the demand that she hand over notes, recording material, mobile phone and other material relating to articles about the Real IRA "with their hands tied behind their back".
He said: "The PSNI has made a sweeping application aimed at forcing Suzanne Breen and the Sunday Tribune to hand over confidential material. A journalist who hands over confidential material is compromised and is immediately put at risk. Suzanne Breen has no option but to refuse to hand over material.
"The basis for the PSNI application is evidence provided in private last Friday, when even Ms Breen's legal team were barred from the court. How can Suzanne respond fully to this application since neither she or her legal team are aware of what precisely was said in court by the PSNI or her counsel on Friday last?"
"The NUJ is seeking the support of the International Federation of Journalists, Amnesty International, trade unions and other civic society organisations as well as media organisations for a major campaign in support of Suzanne Breen and the Sunday Tribune.
No comments:
Post a Comment