NUJ warns Olympic security away from 'harassing' media on public land
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has warned Olympic organisers against forcibly stopping members from taking photograph outside the Olympic site.
The NUJ has moved to say that it will take steps to protect members who are removed from the site by security for taking pictures to report, after it says that two guards ‘forcibly’ prevent a member from filming.
Jess Hurd, who was with five photographers and video journalists, who were taking pictures on the perimeter of the Olympic site in Stratford, said that they had their cameras blocked by security.
"This is very significant, because obviously we were on public land. They've got no right to do that with anyone. At no point did they ask to see any ID, so whether we were professionals or not didn't come into it,” said Hurd.
The NUJ held a meeting with police overseeing security of the Games to seek assurances that media would not be ‘harassed’ while on public land.
Roy Mincoff, NUJ legal officer warned: "While we recognise the need for security, it must be lawful, proportionate and necessary. If it is not, and if NUJ members are assaulted or unlawfully prevented from legitimately conducting their work, prevented from reporting or having their equipment or materials unlawfully taken, the NUJ will take all appropriate steps to protect our members' interests.”