The BBC condems the AFP raids

The BBC has reacted to the raids on ABC offices yesterday by saying the actions of the Australian Federal Police are “deeply troubling”.

 
The raids on Canberra journalist Annika Smethurst and the ABC have been met with widespread condemnation and have caused the prime Minister, Scott Morrison, to say that his government “…is absolutely committed to freedom to the press”.
 
The PM appeared to open the door to a change in legislation to protect journalists by saying  “I think it’s important we pause and as these issues are worked through in the days ahead that if there are any issues that we have to address, then I am open to discussing those.”

 
In a media conference, AFP chief Neil Gaugahn has insisted that there is no link between the execution of search warrants for Smethurst in the ACT and those on the Ultimo premises of the ABC saying they both “…relate to separate allegations of publishing classified material, contrary to provisions of the Crimes Act 1914, which is an extremely serious matter that has the potential to undermine Australia’s national security.” See the AFP statement here.
 
 

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