Photographers Mass Gathering in Trafalgar Square, London

I'm a Photographer, Not a Terrorist
Photographers angry with being stopped and searched by British police, under the country's terrorism laws gathered in Trafalgar Square London yesterday; defending their rights to take pictures in public places and protest against the illegal use of stop and search powers. Photographers say they have been unduly targeted by Section 44 of the act, which allow officers to stop and search people regardless of whether they have reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing.

David Hartnel a professional photographer stated: "While ending harassment of photographers is laudable aim, it cannot be seen as an end in itself. The aggravation we experience from the police, and their proxies in the growing number of private security guards in shopping centres and areas in and around London, is not just a question of attitude, it's a symptom of a state that actively suspects us.

"This is more than an issue of civil liberties - it's one of a state that fears what the free flow of images and information can do to its ability to maintain control. Regardless of which party wins the election, we'll still have a state that distrusts its subjects and fears activists who wish to challenge its authority.

"The ongoing economics and fiscal crisis will trigger a growing wave of protest and dissent over the next few years. The authorities will seek to do their upmost in clamping down on dissent and controlling how their actions are portrayed and documented. "

"Technology enables us to disseminate images of state clampdowns on dissent. We can only do this if we have the freedom to shoot and distribute what we choose without fear. It's in the interest of the powers that be to make life difficult for photographers, restricting the scope of our activity and creating a climate of fear. If photographers are fearful of harassment, arrest or even assault, they'll think twice about recording and documenting how the authorities deal with dissent.

"Backing off because we fear the consequences will hand victory to the state who will be emboldened to act with impunity when faced with challenges to their authority. Harassment of photographers is not just a matter of the authorities having the wrong attitude - it's integral to the state being able to maintain control in what will be difficult and turbulent times. While its right we stand up for our rights in the here and now, asking the state to back off is futile because meeting our demands will undermine their authority - that would be unthinkable for them..."



The event was organised by "I'm a Photographer, Not a Terrorist", and was probably one of the biggest event of this kind, was a clear success for photographers rights.

Photographs: Mark Hebblewhite

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