I’m sure many photographers have experienced unpleasant situations when they have been photographing particular structures, facilities, and places, even if they were on public land. But Homeland Security has taken this to a whole new level. It recently published a tweet in which it warns the public that photography may be one of the signs of terrorism.
Police detains photographer under anti-terror laws for photographing Hove town hall
On Thursday, March 4, police detained professional photographer Eddie Mitchell for taking photos of Hove town hall in Sussex. The officers approached him and searched him under section 43 of the Terrorism Act, which gives officers the power to stop and search anyone they “reasonably suspects to be a terrorist.”
As the police confirm, they approached Mitchell while he was taking the photos. They searched him because he refused to provide identification and information. At the same time, Mitchel believes he didn’t break any laws, which is why he refused to identify himself and give more information to the officers.
This is your last chance to shoot the Eiffel tower without a hideous wall
It seems another controversial wall may be getting ready to be built. In France, this time. In a $20 million project, the French government plans to construct an 8.2ft high bulletproof glass wall around the base of the Eiffel Tower. The primary goal is to increase protection against potential terrorism, but it’s been harshly criticised by locals as “tasteless” and an “eyesore”.
The wall is set to be completed by autumn, and critics have suggested it will undermine the French capital’s tourism industry even further. Paris tourism has already suffered as the result of a series of terrorist attacks that have killed more than 230 people in the last few years. Despite this, the tower still draws around 6 million visitors per year.
Photographer’s gear gets blown up by the bomb squad
If you ever need a good reason to not leave your baggage unattended, this is it. After a “hard black box” was found on the steps of City Hall in Kansas City, what happened next seems obvious. The suspicious package was reported to the police, who promptly came and blew it up.
KSHB reports that police were called to the scene around 4:30am on Monday after the package was discovered. Upon arrival, the street was cordoned off, and people directed to leave the area.
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