The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) will be able to enter evidence in the hearing into the cases taken by journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney (pictured) arising from surveillance by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), revealed in the aftermath of unlawful police activity.
Union granted leave to join covert surveillance case
At a hearing in London on 18 July the NUJ’s application to be joined in the case was granted by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), despite opposition from counsel representing the Metropolitan Police. The NUJ was represented by Brenda Campbell KC and Sean Mullan BL instructed by Olivia O’Kane, Belfast solicitor of DWF (legal and business services) who prepared detailed submissions on the impact of surveillance on the ability of journalists to carry out their functions.
For the NUJ Brenda Campbell said the union was seeking to be joined to the case as independent representatives who could assist the tribunal in understanding the wider implications of the case. Séamus Dooley, NUJ assistant general secretary, was present along with Tim Dawson, deputy general secretary, International Federation of Journalists.
Covert surveillance of journalists
As reported in Yorkshire Bylines, the tribunal has already heard that the PSNI launched a covert surveillance operation following the arrest of NUJ members McCaffrey and Birney in a bid to unmask one of their sources for their ground breaking documentary No Stone Unturned on the Loughinisland massacre on 19 June 1994.
Séamus Dooley said:
“Even when the people under surveillance are not journalists, if they are in regular contact with journalists [and are being monitored] that is equally disturbing. The NUJ fully supports the actions of the journalists and have been represented at the previous hearings, as have the International Federation of Journalists, Amnesty International and the Committee for the Administration of Justice.
“The decision to lodge this application is a response to the serious revelations which have caused such grave concern to our members….”
The case resumes on 1 October and is expected to last at least three more days.
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