Before the puny island that was once Great Britain sinks into the North Atlantic under the weight of their police state.
The relationship between photographers and police could worsen next month when new laws are introduced that allow for the arrest – and imprisonment – of anyone who takes pictures of officers ‘likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism’.
Set to become law on 16 February, the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 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’.
A person found guilty of this offence could be liable to imprisonment for up to 10 years, and to a fine.
The law is expected to increase the anti-terrorism powers used today by police officers to stop photographers, including press photographers, from taking pictures in public places. ‘Who is to say that police officers won’t abuse these powers,’ asks freelance photographer Justin Tallis, who was threatened by an officer last week.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Arresting tourists in 5..4..3..2..
Found at The Devil’s Kitchen via Counting Cats in Zanzibar
They should just take the leap and rename the country Oceania
That’s a stiffer penalty there than armed robbery with mayhem and grievous bodily harm.
Like one Brit said about 1984, it’s supposed to be a warning, not a how-to manual.
“Well officer, if you’re not doing anything illegal in this photo, then you have nothing to worry about.”
Hey, they say it to people who refuse to have their cars searched; what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
It’s no different in the US, except there it’s done through a miriad of local bylaws and regulations that often aren’t published anywhere except in a police handbook…