Journalists in the Six Counties are under attack. Their phones are being tampered with by the PSNI and MI5. This isn’t surprising to those familiar with these organisations’ tactics.
Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney produced a ground-breaking documentary, No Stone Unturned. It exposed collusion between unionist paramilitaries and British security forces in the 1994 Heights Bar attack in Loughinisland. The film was celebrated across Ireland and received numerous awards.
In response, the PSNI raided the journalists’ homes and offices, arresting them. This sparked outrage among NUJ members and human rights organisations, who rallied in support of McCaffrey and Birney.
This harassment is part of a long history. For decades, British security services have bugged homes, vehicles, and phones, maintaining surveillance on perceived threats. Journalists exposing state wrongdoings face constant pressure to stay silent.
Despite these challenges, brave journalists refuse to be silenced. Their work is crucial in revealing the ongoing misconduct of the British state. Their courage is a testament to the importance of a free and fearless press.
