Writer challenges police 'attack' on press freedoms

Source: YN

LONDON (AFP) - A writer who specialises in Islamist extremism on Wednesday began a legal challenge to stop police from forcing him to disclose his sources and notes for a new book.

Under section five of the Terrorism Act 2000, Greater Manchester Police have issued Shiv Malik with a "production order" to hand over "all material" for his forthcoming publication about a former Muslim extremist.

Police said the order was issued because Malik's subject, Hassan Butt, was mentioned by a defendant in court.

Refusal to comply with the order could see the freelance writer charged with contempt of court and jailed for up to two years.

Malik, who is from London, is refusing to comply. His stance is backed by a number of media organisations and the Index on Censorship, who see the police action as a threat to press freedom.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080521/wl_uk_afp/britaincourtpoliceattackspressfreedom;_ylt=Ahpmy5zlQXLsGeomwv8TT5BvaA8F

the very people we may need to read about won't talk to them. We'll end up with fiction, and PR shilling. Celebrity news and government/business propaganda. Seems familiar.