UK state threats bill could ensnare journalists in terror prosecutions, experts warn

British foreign correspondents face potential prosecution under new national security legislation, experts have warned. The state threats bill, nearing parliamentary approval this week, could ensnare journalists working in countries like Iran if they use sources within state-backed groups.

David Anderson, the UK's former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, has raised concerns that the bill lacks sufficient safeguards. He argues that without amendments, journalists could be inadvertently drawn into terrorism prosecutions. This risk highlights a tension between national security measures and the ability of journalists to report from challenging environments.

The legislation is being rushed through parliament, increasing the urgency for these concerns to be addressed. Independent reviewers are calling for specific protections for non-governmental organizations and journalists before the bill becomes law. The potential consequences for international reporting underscore the need for careful consideration of the bill's broad reach.

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unless the bill is amended it could accidentally pull journalists working in danger-zone countries into prosecutions for terrorism.