Index on Censorship is concerned by reports that news organisations are to hand over footage of August’s riots in England.

“Moves such as this force journalists to become the eyes and ears of the state, said John Kampfner, Chief Executive of Index on Censorship. “During the riots, we saw several incidents of photographers and broadcasters being attacked. The implication that any footage taken by them will be handed over to authorities will only serve to endanger on-the-ground media workers further in the future.”

“Already this week we have seen widespread outrage at attempts to make Guardian journalist Amelia Hill hand over journalistic materials. The Metropolitan Police Service is showing a worrying disregard for the principle of a free media.”

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