Police inappropriately obtained search warrants to raid the homes of two Northern Irish investigative journalists, a court has concluded, in a case that has raised concerns about press freedom in the UK. “After the film was released the police had a choice to go after the killers or the journalists,” he said. Index on Censorship editor Rachael Jolley said the police’s activities were “likely to have the effect of intimidating journalists throughout Northern Ireland and further afield”. The raids against the men were overseen by officers from Durham constabulary, after being asked to take over the case by the Police Service of Northern Ireland due to a potential conflict of interest. “If they have any sense today they will see there is no point spending public money going after journalists in this way.”

Source: The Guardian May 29, 2019 17:15 UTC