Journalist's Partner Held at UK Border Under Terrorism Act

18th August 2013 23:07

Journalist's Partner Held at UK Border Under Terrorism Act

David Miranda, partner of Glenn Greenwald who has been covering the NSA mass surveillance story was held for almost nine hours by UK authorities at London's Heathrow airport on his way home to Rio de Janeiro. He was returning from a trip to Berlin when he was stopped by officers and informed that he was to be questioned under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000. His mobile phone, laptop, memory sticks and other devices were taken.

Pirate Party UK Leader Loz Kaye said:

"The stopping of Glenn Greenwald's partner, and the seizing of his phone, laptop and other devices is utterly unacceptable. This is an attack on journalism, protection of sources and freedom of movement. Theresa May must explain how this is possible in the UK, and why someone like David Miranda would be targeted under the 2000 Terrorism Act."

"This leaves the 'nothing to hide, nothing to fear' doctrine in tatters. "

"Civil liberties activists have long pointed out that Schedule 7 of Labour's Terrorism Act 2000 had the potential for abuse. We have been proved right in a chilling way. The Home Secretary must now act decisively to end this abuse."

ENDS

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