Independent journalist Richard Medhurst was apprehended in the UK on charges under the Terrorism Act 2000, as he revealed in a video posted on X on Monday.
Medhurst detailed his arrest experience, stating, “Upon my arrival at London’s Heathrow Airport last Thursday, I was immediately met at the plane’s entry by six officers who escorted me off and arrested me under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act of 2000.
They charged me with allegedly supporting a proscribed organization through my expressions of belief, without clarifying further.”
Section 12, enhanced in 2019, criminalizes expressions of support for a proscribed organization, especially if such expressions could recklessly encourage others to support such an organization.
Medhurst, known for his coverage of the Israeli-Gaza conflict and his critiques of funding Ukraine, also referenced the same legislation in his criticisms.
He mentioned, “This fascist ‘terrorism act’ is used to detain activists without charge, aiming to curb their efforts against what they deem as terrorism and genocide by the IDF,” pointing out the recent detentions of Palestinian activists under the same act.
Medhurst described the harsh conditions of his detention: “I was handcuffed, taken to a police station, thoroughly searched, and my electronic devices were confiscated. I was isolated in a cold, smelly cell with minimal lighting and basic amenities, continuously monitored by audio and video, even in private moments.
The cell lacked windows, heating, and even toilet paper, and I had to use a piece of cardboard to eat my meals,” he explained in the video.
