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“They took my daughter’s homework”


Late night release: Trevor Birney, left, and Barry McCaffrey leave Musgrave Police Station, Belfast.


A chilling account of the random nature of the PSNI search of his home was given by Trevor Birney at the September meeting of the IEC, when he briefed members on the case. Trevor’s wife opened the door to the early morning visitors, and he immediately knew that the raid was connected to his work on “No Stone Unturned”. His family and visitors from the UK looked on


as officers from Durham Constabulary and the PSNI, on foot of a broadly based warrant, seized family property including all mobile phones and laptops. “They took my daughter’s mobile, they took


USB sticks – they even took my daughter’s homework which was on a mobile device,” he explained.


Barry McCaffrey was forced to dress in front


of PSNI officers and treated in a degrading manner during the raid on his house. The use of police powers and the confiscation of material manifestly unrelated to the purpose of the arrests forms part of the ongoing legal challenge by Fine Point Films.


Global support The NUJ has been inundated with support for our campaign against the arrest of Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey. The campaign has received messages from sister unions and comrades from across Europe, the United States and New Zealand, as well as messages from international organisations, including the IFJ. Among the messages received was one from


Steven Gillis, Financial Secretary, USW Local 8751, who wrote: “Please add my name, and the glorious, 900+ strong membership of United Steelworkers Local 8751, the Boston School Bus Drivers' Union — migrant workers ALL from Haiti,


Barry and Trevor were released on police bail until November 30th. Setting out the background to the case, Trevor


confirmed that there was contact with the PSNI and the Police Ombudsman during the final stages of production, and the police were made fully aware of the content in advance. The ombudsman viewed the film in advance of public screenings in the UK or Ireland. Because “No Stone Unturned” named the suspected killer and contained specific allegations of police collusion it was felt appropriate to give the police an opportunity to respond, and to raise concerns about possible threats to life or safety, he explained. There were no objections or concerns expressed. Trevor was accompanied by NUJ colleagues


Kathryn Torney, editor, and Lindsay Fergus, reporter with the news website, thedetail. Thedetail and Fine Point Films form part of the Below the Radar group of companies.


Kathryn joined with Trevor in thanking the NUJ for their support for Barry and Trevor. The speedy reaction of the NUJ had been a source of reassurance to the families of both men while they were in custody.


Cabo Verde, Vietnam, Honduras, Trinidad, Ethiopia, Barbados, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Ireland, etc who elected me to represent — to your petition in defense of the brilliant and truth-exposing journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey.” In Dublin, actor Stephen Rea conveyed his strong support for the NUJ campaign to Irish Secretary Séamus Dooley. Rea was attending a book reading by John Connell, author of the award winning “Cow Book”, who also endorsed the campaign.


NUJ members and supporters may email their support toendthreat@nuj.ie


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