I Was Arrested at Heathrow Airport as a “Terrorist” for My Journalism
Summary
TLDRJournalist Richard Thomas Medhurst recounts his ordeal of being arrested under the Terrorism Act in London, accused of supporting a prescribed organization. He describes the humiliating and dehumanizing treatment, including solitary confinement and surveillance. Despite his diplomatic background and commitment to peace, he feels targeted for his reporting on Palestine. Medhurst condemns terrorism and calls for support, emphasizing the attack on press freedom and the urgent need to challenge the misuse of counterterrorism laws.
Takeaways
- 🔍 Richard Thomas Medhurst, an internationally accredited journalist from the UK, was arrested under the Terrorism Act of 2000.
- 👮♂️ He was accused of expressing opinions supportive of a prescribed organization without clear explanation.
- 🛂 Medhurst was detained at Heathrow Airport, subjected to a thorough search, and had his journalistic equipment seized.
- 📱 His phone was confiscated, and he was not allowed to inform his family of his arrest.
- 👥 He was handcuffed tightly and placed in a cramped police van, treated in a dehumanizing manner.
- 🕵️♂️ Despite his cooperation, he was subjected to invasive searches and held in solitary confinement in poor conditions.
- 🚫 His requests for basic needs were often delayed or ignored, highlighting a lack of respect for his rights.
- 📞 He was not allowed to contact a solicitor or family members for an extended period, violating his rights.
- 🗣️ Medhurst vehemently denies all accusations, emphasizing his anti-war background and commitment to peace.
- 🏛️ He criticizes the overreach of the Terrorism Act, arguing it's being used to target journalists and stifle free speech.
- 📰 He calls for support, fearing that his arrest may be an attempt to silence him and others reporting on sensitive issues like Palestine.
Q & A
What was Richard Thomas Medhurst's profession at the time of the incident?
-Richard Thomas Medhurst is an internationally accredited journalist from the United Kingdom.
What was the reason given for Richard's arrest under the Terrorism Act?
-He was arrested under section 12 of the Terrorism Act of 2000 for allegedly expressing an opinion or belief that is supportive of a prescribed organization, although the specific details were not explained to him.
How was Richard treated upon his arrest at the airport?
-Richard was immediately escorted off the plane by six police officers, handcuffed with tight handcuffs that left marks, and taken to an adjacent room where his phone was confiscated.
What kind of physical discomfort did Richard experience during his detention?
-He was placed in a cramped police van, subjected to a second search at the police station, and kept in solitary confinement in a cold cell with a concrete ledge as a bed.
What items were seized from Richard during his arrest?
-His journalistic equipment and devices were seized, including phones, SIM cards, wireless microphones, microphones, headphones, and even his shoelaces.
How did Richard describe the conditions of the cell where he was kept?
-The cell was cold, smelled like urine, had barely any light, no windows, no heating, and no toilet paper. He was recorded 24/7 with audio and video.
What was the impact of the arrest on Richard's ability to communicate with the outside world?
-He was not allowed to inform his family about his arrest and was only able to call them after several requests. His solicitor's calls were also delayed or not answered.
How long was Richard detained before being interviewed by the police?
-Richard was detained for almost 24 hours before being interviewed by two detectives, which lasted about an hour and a half.
What is Richard's background, and how does he relate it to his arrest?
-Richard comes from a long line of public servants, including his father who served in the London Metropolitan Police and his grandfather who was in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He suggests that his arrest may be related to his reporting on the situation in Palestine.
What is Richard's stance on terrorism, and how does he feel about being accused of supporting a prescribed organization?
-Richard categorically and unequivocally condemns terrorism and is disgusted at being politically persecuted in his own country. He considers himself a victim of terrorism and has a strong background in anti-war and diplomacy.
How does Richard feel about the use of the Terrorism Act against journalists?
-He believes that the Terrorism Act is out of control and has no place in a democracy. He argues that counterterrorism laws should be used to fight actual terrorism, not journalism.
Outlines
🚔 Harrowing Airport Arrest
Richard Thomas Medhurst, an internationally accredited journalist from the UK, recounts his distressing experience of being arrested upon landing at London Hether Airport. He was apprehended by six police officers under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act of 2000, accused of expressing opinions supportive of a prescribed organization without clarification. His belongings were confiscated, and he was subjected to a dehumanizing search and handcuffing process. Despite his cooperation, he was treated harshly, with tight handcuffs causing discomfort. He was transported in a cramped police van to the station, where he faced further invasive searches and was placed in solitary confinement in a cold, poorly lit cell with substandard conditions. His requests were often delayed, and he was not allowed to contact his family, highlighting a lack of basic human rights during his detention.
📰 Targeted for Journalism
Medhurst, who comes from a family with a strong diplomatic and peacekeeping background, including Nobel Peace Prize-winning parents, details his anti-war upbringing and his commitment to journalism as a form of public service. Despite his family's history of service and his own dedication to peace, he feels targeted for his reporting on the situation in Palestine. He contrasts his unconditional release with the lingering uncertainty of potential charges, which casts a shadow over his ability to work as a journalist. He calls out the overreach of the Terrorism Act, arguing that it is being misused to suppress journalism rather than to combat actual terrorism. He implores for public support in the face of what he perceives as an attack on freedom of the press and freedom of speech, urging solidarity with other journalists who are suffering similar fates due to their reporting.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Journalist
💡Terrorism Act
💡Detained
💡Humiliate
💡Intimidate
💡Dehumanize
💡Solitary Confinement
💡Palestine
💡Genocide
💡Press Freedom
💡Political Persecution
Highlights
Richard Thomas Medhurst, a UK-based journalist, was arrested upon landing at Heathrow Airport.
He was arrested under section 12 of the Terrorism Act of 2000 for allegedly supporting a prescribed organization.
Police did not explain the meaning of the charges brought against him.
Medhurst was subjected to a pat-down, had his phone confiscated, and was not allowed to inform his family.
He was handcuffed in a manner that was extremely tight and left marks for two days.
Medhurst was transported in a cramped police van, described as a mobile cage.
At the police station, he was subjected to a second search and unusual requests, such as turning his socks inside out.
His journalistic equipment was seized, including phones, SIM cards, and microphones.
He was placed in solitary confinement in a cold, poorly lit cell with no amenities.
Medhurst was recorded 24/7, including while using the toilet, with no privacy.
Requests for basic needs like water and clothing were delayed or ignored.
He was not allowed to contact a solicitor until after several requests over several hours.
Medhurst was detained for almost 24 hours without being able to speak to a family member or friend.
He was finally interviewed after a 15-hour wait, which he suggests was intended to psychologically rattle him.
Medhurst categorically denies all accusations, stating he is not a terrorist and has no criminal record.
He comes from a family with a long history of public service and a strong anti-war stance.
Medhurst suggests that his arrest may be related to his reporting on the situation in Palestine.
He feels that the Terrorism Act is being misused to target journalists and stifle free speech.
Despite being released unconditionally, Medhurst does not feel free due to the looming possibility of future charges.
He calls for support and highlights the importance of freedom of the press and speech.
Transcripts
my name is Richard Thomas medhurst I'm
an internationally accredited journalist
from the United Kingdom on Thursday as I
landed in London hether Airport I was
immediately escorted off the plane by
six police officers who were waiting for
me at the entrance of the aircraft they
arrested me not detained they arrested
me under section 12 of the terrorism Act
of 2000 and accused me of allegedly
quote expressing an opinion or belief
that is supportive of a prescribed
organization unquote but wouldn't
explain what this meant one officer took
my bags and when I asked why he was
still back in the aircraft I was told
look mate you can get nicked right here
in front of everyone or in there your
choice so I was taken to an adjacent
room pattered down my phone confiscated
I was not allowed to inform my family
despite being calm and Cooperative I was
handcuffed with something that placed my
shoulders in an awkward position and and
my wrists on top of rather than next to
each other the handcuffs were extremely
tight despite the police loosening them
and they left marks on me for 2 days the
police took me down onto the runway put
me in a police van essentially a mobile
cage and informed me that everything was
being recorded the van was cramped I had
to struggle the entire time to keep my
balance uh and try not to fall over as
we drove to the police station now once
inside the station they searched me
again for the second time within 10
minutes I was told to sit on a bench
remove my shoes remove my socks I was
told to turn my socks inside out and
hold them up for the officers to inspect
they also made me hold up my feet so
they could check them as well the
officers took me to to a room with UV
lights which they told me is used to
catch burglar who are sprayed with
something is I have no idea why they did
this since they just removed me off of a
plane my suit case was then opened in
the lobby and rans sacked all of my
journalistic equipment and devices were
seized including phones SIM cards
wireless microphones microphones
headphones even my
shoelaces they later took my DNA as well
my fingerprints palm prints and
photographed me I was placed in solitary
confinement in a cold cell that smelt
like urine there was barely any light
and the bed if you can even call it a
bed was simply a a small concrete ledge
with a paper thin mattress the cell had
no windows no heating no toilet paper I
was recorded 24/7 with audio and video
Even when going to the toilet I had to
eat food with a piece of cardboard that
you were supposed to F into two in order
to scoop up the meal
the police said that I have the right to
inform someone that I'm locked up so I
said okay I want to call my family and
then they'd go well your calls are
withheld because of the nature of the
alleged offense I tried to ask well
what's the point of a right if you can
just randomly withdraw it why tell me
that I have this right at all and one of
them said something along the lines of
well it's not an absolute right it can
be waved similarly they said I had the
right to know why I was being detained
so I asked again and the police would
say something like well we just the
arrest arting officers we don't really
know or this will be explained to you
during the interview or some other
generic response now despite the police
officer Civility and cheerfulness I felt
that the whole process was designed to
humiliate intimidate and dehumanize me
and treat me like a criminal even though
they they must have been aware of my
background and that I'm a journalist I
was under surveillance almost the entire
time from the moment I was arrested
until I was released be in the police
van in the station the cell all of it no
privacy whatsoever many of my requests
were also delayed or outright ignored uh
when I was detained I asked for water
several times the police would always
say sure but then I ended up waiting
hours for a tiny cup of water I asked if
I could have my own clothes because I
was in a t-shirt it was cold and I
couldn't sleep they said they give me a
pullover but never did although one God
did give me a second blanket so you have
to nag and nag for the most basic things
and this is why I was uh afraid that
they weren't even going to call a
solicitor for me I was able to see the
nurse on one occasion but on three other
occasions when I asked to see the nurse
theyd say yes and then nothing for many
hours no one in the world knew what had
happened to me or where I was only the
police could call a solicitor for me I
had to ask like four or five different
guards for several hours until I finally
received a call some of my solicitors
calls did not get through or were not
answered one of the calls my solicitor
was told would be monitored and and so
they simply refused to take it I asked
to speak to the solicitor afterwards
when when when that happened but I was
not allow allowed to in total I spent
almost 24 hours in detention at no point
whatsoever was I allowed to speak to a
family member or a friend after waiting
15 hours I was finally interviewed by
two detectives the interview lasted
about an hour an hour a half maybe
something something like that so there's
clearly no need to hold me there this
entire time but I believe this was done
on purpose to try and rattle me
psychologically that failed I
categorically and utterly reject all the
accusations by the police I am not a
terrorist I have no criminal record
prior to this incident I'd never been
detained in my entire life I'm a product
of the Diplomatic community and I'm
raised to be anti-war both of my parents
won Nobel Peace prizes for their work as
United Nations peacekeepers they had a
tremendous effect on my world view and
Outlook and instilled in me the
importance of diplomacy international
law and peace I myself am a victim of
terrorism when I attended the British
school in Islamabad the Egyptian embassy
adjacent to my school was blown up in a
double bming I categorically and
unequivocally condemn terrorism I am a
medhurst my family goes back 1,000 years
in this country I come from a long line
of public servants my father served in
the London Metropolitan Police before
entering the United Nations he is an
expert and an authority on
counterterrorism who taught me much my
grandfather was in the Royal air force
during World War II and his father
before him in the British Army in World
War I I perhaps don't have the same
career paths as them but I consider my
journalism to be a public service and my
way of doing my bit for the country by
providing a counterweight to mainstream
media I love my country I respect its
laws and its legal institutions I get
the feeling nevertheless that those like
myself who are speaking up and Reporting
on the situation in Palestine are being
targeted I had booked my ticket to
London on the same day and yet an entire
team of police were mobilized to arrest
and question me this is why I felt that
this was a pre-planned coordinated
arrest many people have been detained in
Britain because of their connection to
journalism sometimes under the terrorism
act sometimes not I think of Julian
Assange Craig Murray kit Claren BG David
Miranda Vanessa Bey as far as I'm aware
I'm the only journalist however to have
been arrested and held for up to 24
hours under section 12 of the terrorism
act keep in mind the conditions that I
outlined
previously the psychological element
where you're made to wait endlessly
you've not been told what you're accused
of nor when you'll be questioned now
despite having been released
unconditionally I do not feel that my
bail is truly unconditional I'm
effectively in limbo not knowing if I
will be charged in 3 months or if I will
go to prison journalism is my livelihood
I have an ethical and a moral
responsibility toward the general public
to inform but I feel that a muzzle has
been placed on me I simply do not not
know if or how I can work at all during
the next months Palestine the
humanitarian crisis in Gaza Remain the
most pressing news story in the world
however it seems that any statement No
matter how innocent how factual and
well-intentioned can be skewed and
twisted into an offense of the highest
order this is precisely the danger and
the absurdity of the terrorism act that
I have always sought to impress upon the
public long before I ever became a
victim of it myself it is out of control
it has no place in a democracy
counterterrorism laws should be used to
fight actual terrorism not journalism we
cannot call ourselves a democracy as
long as reporters are dragged off of
planes and detained and treated like
murderers I am disgusted that I'm being
politically persecuted in my own country
now as I do not know if I can still
report as a journalist for the next
months I kindly ask you for your support
during these times freedom of the press
freedom of speech really are under
attack the state is cracking down and
escalating to try and stop people from
speaking out against our government's
complicity in genocide please stand not
just with me but with the others who are
still inside I know what they're going
through and the best relief is to know
that people on the outside are rooting
for you and doing everything they can to
get you out thank you
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