UK police detain Brit journalist critical of Israeli genocide in Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
20 Aug 2024 09:16
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Richard Medhurst asserts that journalists covering the situation in Palestine are being specifically targeted.

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An undated image of British journalist Richard Medhurst (X)

British journalist Richard Medhurst was detained last Thursday at Heathrow Airport under Section 12 of the UK's Terrorism Act, reportedly due to his journalistic work.

Upon his arrival, six police officers apprehended him, and he was held and interrogated for almost 24 hours.

In a video posted on X, Richard Medhurst described his experience at Heathrow Airport in distressing detail. He revealed that one officer seized his phone, preventing him from notifying his family.

Medhurst was subjected to two searches within ten minutes, and his belongings, including journalist equipment, were thoroughly ransacked.

Medhurst: Reporting on Palestine puts journalists in the crosshairs

The prominent journalist was placed in a solitary confinement cell that he deemed unfit for human habitation and was monitored by cameras even while using the restroom. Medhurst expressed that the entire ordeal seemed designed to "intimidate, humiliate, and dehumanize him," despite his clear identity as a journalist.

Additionally, many of his basic requests, including for water, were significantly delayed, further adding to his distress.

"This was done on purpose to rattle me psychologically..... I am not a terrorist and I am a product of the diplomatic community and I was raised to be anti-war," he stressed.

"I condemn terrorism," he added.

I was arrested at Heathrow Airport under the Terrorism Act, Sec 12 because of my reporting.

6 police officers were waiting for me at the entrance of the aircraft.

I was held for almost 24 hours and questioned.

I believe I'm the first journalist to be arrested under this… pic.twitter.com/pbf6q5dXIf
— Richard Medhurst (@richimedhurst) August 19, 2024

"Those of us who, like myself, are speaking up and reporting on the situation in Palestine are being targeted," in reference to the fact that journalists covering sensitive issues, such as the ongoing Israeli genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, are increasingly facing scrutiny and repercussions," Medhurst stated.

“Palestine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains the most pressing news story in the world. However, it seems that any statement … can be … twisted into an offence of the highest order.”

Medhurst further censured the British government for suppressing freedom of expression.

“Freedom of the press and freedom of speech are really under attack. The state is cracking down and escalating to try and stop people from speaking out against our government’s complicity in genocide,” he said.

Richard Medhurst's detention slammed

Medhurst's arrest has sparked serious concerns about freedom of speech and the treatment of journalists in the UK.

It is worth noting that there is widespread debate about the potential impact of this arrest on journalism and political expression, with fears that it could set a troubling precedent for how authorities manage reporters covering sensitive or contentious issues.

In a recent post on X, S.L. Kanthan, a noted columnist, blogger, and podcaster, has sharply criticized the arrest of journalist Richard Medhurst.

Brilliant and passionate journalist Richard Medhurst detained for 24 hours under the UK’s “Terrorism Act.”

All because he speaks on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza.

Free-dumb of speech in the garden of Europe. https://t.co/LVx7OaH8aM
— S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) August 19, 2024

Kanthan condemned the detention as an infringement on free speech, emphasizing that Medhurst's arrest stems from his vocal support for Palestinians in Gaza. In his critique, Kanthan highlighted the irony of the situation, questioning the state of free expression in what is often referred to as the "garden of Europe."

England has fallen. UK insanity:
Richard Medhurst arrested at Heathrow Airport for reporting on #GazaGenocide!👇https://t.co/eXDYjJRRnO
— Ana M. Fuentes (@FearlessFriends) August 19, 2024

In the same context, a social media post has sharply slammed the UK's handling of journalist Richard Medhurst's arrest, with one user declaring, "England has fallen." The post described the situation as a case of "UK insanity", reflecting growing concern over the implications of the arrest on free speech and civil liberties.

This is extraordinary @richimedhurst arrested in his home country the UK for his work on Palestine. Terrorising .. with truth? https://t.co/UgAeOoDGGB
— 💧Mary Kostakidis (@MaryKostakidis) August 19, 2024

Another user expressed astonishment at the arrest of Medhurst, stating, "This is extraordinary." The user highlighted the fact that Medhurst was detained in his home country, the UK, for his work on Palestine, questioning whether the arrest represents an attempt to "terrorize with truth."

A British journalist was arrested and treated as a terrorism suspect for the expression of political opinion. Everything about this is horrifying. https://t.co/MqYUslze6P
— Caitlin Johnstone (@caitoz) August 20, 2024

A recent social media post has also condemned the arrest of Medhurst, describing the situation as "horrifying".

The comments seemingly underscore growing alarm over the arrest, raising concerns about the potential erosion of free speech rights and the misuse of anti-terrorism laws in the United Kingdom.