Northern Ireland: Police Surveillance Scandal Widens, Tanya Fowles Claims Police Tried to Expose Sources
November 14, 2024 - Northern Ireland
Journalist Tanya Fowles, who uncovered serious flaws in the police handling of Katie Simpson’s case—whose death was initially misclassified as a suicide—alleges she has been under police surveillance in connection with her work on the case.
Fowles believes this surveillance aimed to expose her confidential sources, particularly as tensions escalated over her relentless reporting. Her case is now with the McCullough Review, which investigates the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) targeting of journalists and lawyers. This comes amid revelations of over 4,000 monitored calls and data applications on journalists by the police service.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the alleged surveillance of Tanya Fowles. Journalists are vital in holding institutions accountable; surveillance and intimidation tactics threaten democracy and the public’s right to know. We call on the PSNI and the McCullough Review to ensure full transparency and accountability, and urge lawmakers to strengthen protections for journalists.
Women Press Freedom condemns this harassment and calls on Egyptian authorities to immediately halt these practices and uphold press freedom.
Journalist Tanya Fowles, who uncovered serious flaws in the police handling of Katie Simpson’s case—whose death was initially misclassified as a suicide—alleges she has been under police surveillance in connection with her work on the case.
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the tragic killing of Sakina Mansour, along with her two sons and several other family members, in an Israeli airstrike on the town of Joun.
After questioning Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahçeli on potential disagreements with President Erdoğan, journalist Hilal Köylü faced public scolding and was told to "quit her profession."
Women Press Freedom condemns the unjust detention of Esra Ghorani, a reporter with the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA), and her TV crew by Israeli occupation forces.
Jailed journalist Sandra Muhoza faces a 12-year prison sentence for sharing information in private WhatsApp group of media professionals about alleged government-led arms distribution.
Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with Cumpio and demands her immediate release, along with the dismissal of all charges against her.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the sexual assault of journalist Vida Rabbani, who is unjustly imprisoned.
Jailed journalist Ana Carolina Guaita faces trial for terrorism, inciting hatred, and obstructing public roads. In detention since August, she could face over a decade in prison if convicted on these bogus charges.
We call for an immediate investigation into this incident to ensure accountability and reinforce protections for journalists. Press freedom must be upheld without compromise.
Journalist Ana Raičković was violently assaulted outside a restaurant in Podgorica by businessman Zoran Bećirović, his son, and a bodyguard. Raičković, a well-known reporter for Pobjedacg, was punched, threatened with being “burned alive” if she didn’t stop her work, and had her head slammed against her car door.
Mere weeks after sharing her harrowing experiences of being targeted at Women Press Freedom's Transnational Repression Roundtable in Ottawa, Canada, the disturbing details of yet another plot against Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad have come to light.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the horrific violation of rights represented by the tragic murder of Iranian journalist Mansoureh Ghadiri Javid.
Zahra Abu Sakheil, a Palestinian journalist, was killed alongside her brother and father in an Israeli airstrike while seeking refuge in a school shelter in Gaza City.
We stand in solidarity with Rana Ayyub and call for swift action to hold those responsible accountable, ensuring that this heinous targeting is met with justice.
We call for transparent investigations into the journalist’s cases and ask for her safety to be ensured, so she can continue to report the truth without any fear of retribution.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent threats made against journalist Venelina Popova by Mayor Nikolay Tonev of Galabovo.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent upholding of the 5-year prison sentence of unjustly imprisoned editor-in-chief Unurtsetseg Naran of the news site Zarig by the Mongolian appeals court.
We demand a transparent explanation from the Bangladeshi interim government for this repressive measure, which silences critical voices and infringes on basic rights.
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the arbitrary denial of credentials to several journalists, including political correspondent Tara Palmeri, at former President Donald Trump's election night event in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the alarming escalation of police violence against women journalists in Turkiye. We are particularly appalled by the recent brutal attack on respected journalist Pelşin Çetinkaya, who was detained and tortured while covering public protests against trustee appointments in Batman.
N1 journalist Žaklina Tatalović and cameraman Nikola Popović, were harassed and assaulted while covering protests in Novi Sad over a deadly railway collapse.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the egregious violation of human rights faced by imprisoned journalist and Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi.
Women Press Freedom condemns the unacceptable violation of press rights experienced by RTÉ journalist Yvonne Murray during her live broadcast from Georgia ahead of the U.S. elections.
Women Press Freedom condemns the recent court ruling against former Meduza journalist Margarita Liutova, who was fined 5,000 rubles ($50) for participating in the activities of an “undesirable organization.”
Miroslava Simonovska is facing new threats online. This follows a video of the journalist receiving documents, that was filmed without her consent, circulated online and broadcast on national TV.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by Albanian journalists at the Kapshtice border crossing while attempting to cover Prime Minister Edi Rama's rally in Thessaloniki, Greece. The unjust three-hour detention of journalists from Klann and CNN affiliate A2, along with the arbitrary requirement for a special permit for live transmission equipment, represents a troubling infringement on the freedom of the press.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by RTL Lëtzebuerg journalist Annick Goerens while covering the U.S. elections. Goerens' application for press credentials to attend a Republican event hosted by JD Vance was denied without explanation, forcing her to secure a general admission pass instead.
Women Press Freedom condemns the violation that led to the temporary suspension of journalist Cristina Fallarás' Instagram account.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent assault on TV Markíza journalist Kristína Kövešová in Trnava while she was investigating violent crimes for her program Reflex.
