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- The South African National Editors Forum has raised concerns about reports that a News24 journalist is allegedly under illegal surveillance by Crime Intelligence.
- In a letter to the head of CI, the News24 lawyer demanded that “those involved be ordered to stop any further illegal interception.”
- “We reiterate our previous concerns about the surveillance of journalists, as the objective of establishing sources of information has a chilling impact on media freedom,” Sanef said.
The South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) has expressed deep concern over reports of a News24 journalist allegedly under illegal surveillance by Crime Intelligence.
News24 reported Monday that CI had been asked to cease the illegal surveillance and wiretapping of News24 investigative reporter Jeff Wicks, who has released a series of reports detailing the riots at the highest levels of the police.
In a letter addressed to CI’s acting chief Lieutenant General Yolisa Mokgabudi, News24’s attorney, Willem de Klerk, demanded that “members of Crime Intelligence who participate in these activities be ordered to immediately cease any further illegal interception of News24 journalists’ communications, surveillance and / or general intimidation. “
The letter was also sent to Judge Bess Nkabinde, who is the designated judge charged with authorizing lawful interceptions in terms of the Interception and Communication Regulation Act (RICA), and Setlhomamare Dintwe, the Inspector General of Intelligence (IGI). Mokgabudi’s office has confirmed receipt of the letter, News24 reported.
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This follows information received by investigative reporter Jeff Wicks from three well-placed and trusted sources that a “counterintelligence” operation was launched in February to determine who Wicks’ sources are for continued News24 coverage of topics within police management.
In a statement, Sanef said he was deeply concerned that a News24 journalist had allegedly been subjected to illegal surveillance and interception by Crime Intelligence, which, the agency added, is a worrying trend, internationally, to target journalists. to reduce objective and honest news coverage.
“Sanef is concerned that emergency pandemic laws, new spying technologies and the blockade itself have exposed journalists to even greater threats of surveillance and harassment.
“The threat is amplified when it comes to investigative reporters from around the world who have been forced to harden their digital security habits, due to concerns that local and international intelligence units are attacking them.
“We reiterate our previous concerns about the surveillance of journalists, as the goal of establishing sources of information has a chilling impact on freedom of the media.
“It also has consequences for whistleblowers, who are often the first point of contact for revealing information of public importance, including corrupt and criminal activities within the government and other state institutions,” the writing body said.
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Sanef also asked for transparency and a guarantee from CI and other intelligence agencies to stop attacking journalists in any surveillance.
It also condemned the massive interception of journalists, as well as their sources, stating that they must be protected and that journalists must be notified after being intervened.
Sanef warned journalists and media companies that they should not allow the apparent ubiquity of online threats to have a chilling effect on their investigations, using basic digital hygiene for most investigations and upgrading to security methods. advanced and low-tech for stories that you pre-identify as high-risk.
“While not all stories require burner phones and end-to-end encryption, the Global Investigative Journalism Network says the greatest hacking threat posed by pandemic conditions means that, ‘like flossing,’ certain principles of hygiene They are no longer optional, like using password managers, always updating applications, using two-factor authentication, and recognizing that phones are the primary vulnerability. “
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