Monday 21 November 2011

A student photographer covering the occupation in Market Square, Nottingham witnessed the arrest of someone from the camp yesterday afternoon. He attempted to video the arrest and was promptly intimidated into handing over the video tape.

The police said they did this to secure evidence of an alledged crime, under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act PACE 1984

The photographer did not see this original, alledged, crime and thus the police were wrong in believing they could do this. 

There is an agreed protocol / set of guidelines:

" 7. Police officers do not have the authority to prevent a person taking a photograph or to confiscate cameras or film, and such conduct could result in criminal, civil or disciplinary action."

The student has asked for assistance from the National Union of Journalists.  It is not just a matter of his personal welfare and the return of his material. But also the rights of photographers to carrying out thier interests and work without this [continued] intimidation.

His college is also concerned at this treatment and may be taking legal action.

Further news may follow but will have to wait until any legal process is concluded.

These interferences happen every day in spite of agreed protocols, here is today's example:

Manchester photographer in police assault complaint - Press Gazette  22 November 2011

http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=48306&c=1

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Here at Indymedia Towers ..... we are symathetic and offer our best wishes and support:

"Nottingham Indymedia send our solidarity to you following the confiscation of your equipment by the police, simply for trying to cover a story. We are happy to give any support that you might need over the issue - don't hesitate to get in touch with us."

All the best

Nottingham Independent Media Centre

http://nottingham.indymedia.org

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ALAN LODGE 

Photographer - Media: One Eye on the Road. Nottingham.  UK

Email:                 tash@indymedia.org

Web:                   http://digitaljournalist.eu

Member of the National Union of Journalists [NUJ]

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"It is not enough to curse the darkness.

                                   It is also necessary to light a lamp!!"

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