Did we speak too soon…
Lottie:
August 12th, 2006
The recently thwarted terrorist plot in the UK this week was a stark reminder of both our country’s vulnerability and extreme vigilance. However, criticism emerged on Channel 4 news last night over the treasury’s hasty decision to publish the names of the 24 suspects just hours after their arrest. In some cases information went as far as to reveal the streets that the suspects lived on. In areas where arrests took place, the threat to the rest of the community surely increases as information is released. This is enforced by the swift deployment of police to areas with Muslim populations, in order to deter attacks. News coverage should always aim to be as thorough and balanced as possible; the public certainly has a right to know when it is under threat. However, this should not be something that potentially compromises public safety in other areas. The terrorist plot itself was under surveillance for months before it was revealed publicly and this was only done once the threat was assured and imminent. Shouldn’t the same level of caution and secrecy be extended to the suspects who are innocent until proven guilty and also to the police who need time to carry out their investigations thoroughly? This is not a vindication of those allegedly involved, merely a question of was it right to release all this information so soon?…