UK state threats bill could pull British journalists into terror prosecutions, experts say
Summary
The UK government is introducing new national security laws that could classify certain foreign groups, like Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, as terrorist organizations. Experts warn that these laws might accidentally criminalize British journalists and charities if they communicate with sources linked to these groups.Key Facts
- The UK is passing a state threats bill to label some state-backed groups as terrorist organizations.
- Groups such as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) could be banned under this law.
- The bill creates new crimes for supporting or getting benefits from these designated groups.
- Benefits include money and information, and there is no legal excuse allowed for accepting them.
- Experts warn journalists and charities working in conflict zones may risk prosecution due to contacts with these groups.
- Press freedom groups want clearer protections for journalists in the bill’s text.
- The Home Office says the bill does not block journalists but experts say the protections are not clear enough.
- The law only allows prosecution if the attorney general thinks it serves the public interest, but experts say this may not be a strong guarantee.
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