Tomorrow, Monday 16 February 2009, the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 will come into force, potentially making it a crime to take a picture of members of Her Majesty's armed forces, including constables.
The Act amends the Terrorism Act 2000 regarding offences relating to information about members of armed forces, a member of the intelligence services, or a police officer. The new set of rules, under section 76 of the 2008 Act and section 58A of the 2000 Act, will target anyone who 'elicits or attempts to elicit information about (members of armed forces) ... which is of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism'.
The penalty could be of up to 10 years in prison. While BJP does not believe the Act will result in the imprisonment of photographers and photojournalists, we believe the Act could be abused by some police officers who are already loosely using Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to prevent photographers from taking pictures in public places.
So, we have joined the National Union of Journalists' call for photographers to make their voices heard at a media event on 16 February in front of New Scotland Yard. The plan is simple, turn up with your camera and exercise your democratic right to take a photograph in a public place.
The event starts at 11am. For more details, visit www.nuj.org.uk and the Facebook event page.
If you are not in London, we invite you to check our Twitter feed from 10.30am (London Time) on 16 February. We will be reporting live about the event with pictures and up-to-the-minute updates. Find it here.
Comments (5)
Fantastic that we are making a stand against this utterly ridiculous legislation.
Please let me know of future "shoot-out" and I will fly over to join in...!!!
Currently based in my photo studio here in Barcelona.
But I´m with you guys in a heartbeat - good luck to you all.
--
James
JAMES WARDELL PHOTOGRAPHY - ESPAÑA
M: (+34) 686 078 229
T: (+34) 934 428 733
www.jameswardell.com
Posted by James Wardell | February 15, 2009 9:09 PM
Posted on February 15, 2009 21:09
Hope it goes well for you thanks for making a stand.
I am sick and tired of being labeled a terrorist or a pedophile for carrying out my work in public.
Many many photographers here in Australia also support you.
Cannot be there but good luck and well done !
doug
Posted by doug Steley | February 16, 2009 6:04 AM
Posted on February 16, 2009 06:04
Olivier,
Thank you for your efforts on behalf of those of us who are unable to attend. However, I have been supporting most of the on-line protests by writing to my local MP etc and quoting Austin Mitchell and asking my MP to support his bill etc.etc.
If you need support of the Camera Clubs in Wales let me know, I feel sure it wouldn't take much to form a Welsh team, a good deal of the members are pro's or at least semi-pro's.
Good luck
Thanks
Mark
Posted by Mark Goodwin | February 16, 2009 4:00 PM
Posted on February 16, 2009 16:00
Well done to all those who protested. Thanks.
Why do people think the law is always correct, or God giiven?
The terror laws appear more and more not to protect us from the terrorists but protect the terrorists from us!
There is a War on Freedom, not a was on terror.
Dave
Posted by David Slater | February 17, 2009 10:20 AM
Posted on February 17, 2009 10:20
Why is it legitimate for the Government and police to be videotaping anyone and everyone on the street or anywhere and call it caution-when Big Brother is watching, he doesn't bear scrutiny
Posted by cityprole | February 20, 2009 3:58 PM
Posted on February 20, 2009 15:58