Photojournalist Refuses to Hand Over Riot Images to Police
A photojournalist, Joel Goodman, has taken a stand against demands by police to hand over images of rioters following a violent incident outside a hotel in Rotherham. The riot, which involved a mob of hundreds forcing entry to the Holiday Inn Express, resulted in clashes with police and widespread damage.
Goodman, a freelancer based in the north-west, expressed concerns that disclosing the images could jeopardize his safety and infringe on media freedom. He emphasized the importance of maintaining trust with his subjects, stating that if they believed his work would end up in the hands of the police, they would no longer trust him.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the police’s attempts to compel journalists to disclose material, describing it as an affront to media freedom. Michelle Stanistreet, the union’s general secretary, highlighted the need for journalists to work safely and without interference.
Despite the resistance from Goodman and the NUJ, South Yorkshire Police are considering applying for a court order to force him to disclose the photos. The force stated that their priority is identifying those responsible for the disorder, which left more than 60 officers injured and resulted in multiple arrests.
The case has sparked a debate about the balance between press freedom and law enforcement, with concerns raised about the potential impact on journalists working in challenging circumstances. The NUJ has reached out to government committees to address these issues and ensure the safety of journalists in the field.
