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MI5's Illegal Surveillance of Journalist Sparks Outrage

2/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal is examining Vincent Kearney, a journalist, whose data was unlawfully accessed by MI5 and police over eight years.
MI5 admitted to illegal surveillance on two occasions between 2006 and 2009.
Kearney's lawyers say the intrusion harmed his ability to conduct journalism and damaged relationships with sources.
The BBC expressed serious concern and urged protections for public interest journalism in Northern Ireland.

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Story summary

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal is examining Vincent Kearney, a journalist, whose data was unlawfully accessed by MI5 and police over eight years.
MI5 admitted to illegal surveillance on two occasions between 2006 and 2009.
Kearney's lawyers say the intrusion harmed his ability to conduct journalism and damaged relationships with sources.
The BBC expressed serious concern and urged protections for public interest journalism in Northern Ireland.