Photographers protest at Scotland Yard

Photographers went ahead with a mass photo shoot outside New Scotland Yard in London today to exercise their right to take a picture in a public place.
The event was planned to coincide with amendments to the Counter Terrorism Act, which came into force in the UK today, which allow for the arrest and imprisonment of anyone who takes pictures of police officers and some other public servants “likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism”.
The NUJ fears that the law will be used to stop news photographers doing legitimate work.
Story and pic here on BBC website.

Mass photo demo planned for Scotland Yard

A mass photo session outside New Scotland Yard is planned to protest against a new law which campaigners fear could be used against press photographers taking pictures of police.
Comedian Mark Thomas is to join with NUJ members in the event, aimed at drawing attention to the Counter Terrorism Act which allows for the arrest and imprisonment of anyone whose pictures are “likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism”.
The demo outside London’s police HQ is planned for Monday 16 February – the day the act becomes law.
Photojournalist and NUJ member Marc Vallée said: “The plan is simple, turn up with your camera and exercise your democratic right to take a photograph in a public place.”
The photo taking will start at 11am outside New Scotland Yard on Broadway.
Story via NUJ website.