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January 2, 2025 – UK –
Richard Medhurst, a British independent journalist, is facing legal peril for refusing to reveal his encryption passwords to police, following his arrest under the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000 in August 2024. The case exposes a stark clash between national security efforts and the fundamental right of journalists to protect their confidential sources.
Medhurst was detained at Heathrow Airport after his critical reporting on Israel’s military actions in Gaza—coverage Amnesty International described as genocide—was misinterpreted by authorities as support for proscribed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Two secure phones—an iPhone and a GrapheneOS device—were seized. He has steadfastly refused to hand over their passwords, arguing it would drive sources into hiding and undermine trust in journalism.
Under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act, expressing opinions interpreted as supporting proscribed organizations can lead to up to 14 years’ imprisonment, which he faces if formally charged. Further legal consequences await under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA): non-compliance with password disclosure orders could add two to five years behind bars.
Expert analysis from UCL’s Steven Murdoch suggests that Medhurst’s GrapheneOS phone is virtually impenetrable by law enforcement tools like Cellebrite or XRY, making password access the only possible route to its data. Press advocacy groups—including the NUJ, IFJ, and Reporters Sans Frontières—have denounced the case as a dangerous precedent, warning it threatens the confidentiality and safety of journalistic sources worldwide.
This case exemplifies a mounting global trend: governments compelling data access from journalists under key-disclosure laws. Failure to resist such demands risks a chilling effect on reporting, particularly on sensitive topics. The legal battle underway is not just about Medhurst—it’s a litmus test for press freedom, online privacy, and the sanctity of source protection in democratic societies.
Reference –
UK Journalist Could Face Years in Prison for Refusing to Hand Over Passwords to Police
