Published on March 29, 2026
Two press photographers and a documentary filmmaker were arrested while covering protests organized campaigning group Just Stop Oil on Monday, November 7. Tom Bowles and Ben Cawthra, both members of The British Press Photographers’ Association (BPPA), as well as Rich Felgate, a member of the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU), were handcuffed and taken into custody at two separate locations.
The arrests occurred amidst a series of coordinated protests Oil, a group that has gained attention for its disruptive tactics aimed at drawing attention to climate change and demanding a halt to new fossil fuel projects in the UK. Eyewitnesses reported that the photographers were simply doing their jobs, capturing the events as they unfolded, when police intervened.
Critics have raised concerns over the implications of these arrests for press freedom and the rights of journalists to cover public demonstrations. Many in the media community expressed their alarm, noting that the move could stifle critical reporting on significant issues such as climate change.
The BPPA issued a statement condemning the arrests, calling them an infringement on journalistic rights. Members of the public also voiced their support for the arrested individuals, highlighting the importance of a free press in democratic societies.
Hertfordshire Police have stated that the arrests were made due to concerns about public order and safety, asserting that they were acting within their legal responsibilities. However, they have faced backlash regarding the handling of the situation, with many questioning whether it was necessary to detain members of the press who were exercising their right to document events.
As the story develops, the media community continues to advocate for the protection of journalistic rights and for clarity on the protocols that govern police interactions with reporters on the ground during protests. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges faced activism and the responsibilities of law enforcement during civil demonstrations.
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