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Scotland Yard Secretly Tracking Activists

Civil liberties groups believe database on peaceful protesters may be illegal

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 7, 2009 10:05 AM CST

(Newser) – British human rights advocates have been alarmed to discover that Scotland Yard keeps a secret database on political activists, the Guardian reports. Surveillance teams have tracked and gathered information on protesters, including thousands of people not suspected of any crime. Personal information on the activists—including their political affiliation—is stored for 7 years and exchanged with other police forces.

Disclosures made under Britain's Freedom of Information act also reveal that the police surveillance teams, despite their repeated denials, have been monitoring members of the press. Civil liberties groups believe the police may be breaking the law by keeping information on innocent people. Evidence proving the database exists is expected to be the basis of a legal challenge to police surveillance techniques.

Photographers take pictures outside British police headquarters to protest new anti-terror legislation they claim could hamper journalists from taking pictures at public demonstrations, Feb. 16, 2009.
Photographers take pictures outside British police headquarters to protest new anti-terror legislation they claim could hamper journalists from taking pictures at public demonstrations, Feb. 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
Activists put up a banner reading 'No 2 Coal' on the River Medway side of the perimeter fence of Kingsnorth power station on August 9, 2008 in Kingsnorth, England.
Activists put up a banner reading 'No 2 Coal' on the River Medway side of the perimeter fence of Kingsnorth power station on August 9, 2008 in Kingsnorth, England.   (Getty Images)
Photographers take pictures outside British police headquarters to protest new anti-terror legislation they claim could hamper journalists from taking pictures at public demonstrations, Feb. 16, 2009.
Photographers take pictures outside British police headquarters to protest new anti-terror legislation they claim could hamper journalists from taking pictures at public demonstrations, Feb. 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Guest
Mar 9, 2009 4:25 AM CDT
We brag to the 3rd world that democracy offers freedom, but this is only one of many scare tactics employed in a consistent effort to suppress free speech and behavior that differs from current 'approved' spin...
Guest
Mar 7, 2009 12:55 AM CST
Big Brother is watching...

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