Protests in London

British photographers have protested in London against the use of terror laws to stop and search people taking pictures.
Trafalgar Square was lit up by camera flashes as an estimated 2,000 photographers, who accuse police of exploiting anti-terror legislation.
British law allows officers to stop and search people in some areas without suspicion of wrongdoing.
Jeff Moore from the British Press Photographers’ Association called for the police to exercise more restraint, reports Euronews.
“It’s very annoying but it is not just press photographers who suffer this (intimidation). My friend, who is a magistrate, was walking down Whitehall only two days ago and was stopped under Section 44,” he said.
In recent months, protestors say people have been prevented from taking pictures of landmarks or buildings.
Britain has stepped up in security measures over the past decade, drawing criticism that its anti-terror laws have gone too far in infringing civil liberties.

25.01.10