Police and MI5 waged campaign of illegal interference against ex-BBC journalist, tribunal told
The Guardian World
by Cormac Kehoe and Harry DaviesFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Police and MI5 have been accused of waging an extensive campaign of illegal surveillance against former BBC journalist Vincent Kearney over eight years. The case was revealed during a tribunal hearing, where it was claimed that authorities obtained communications data from Kearney's mobile phone as part of efforts to identify his sources while he worked as the BBC’s Northern Ireland home affairs correspondent.
Kearney, who covered sensitive topics including police operations and paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland, faced what his lawyer described as “unprecedented” surveillance. This included monitoring his calls, texts, and other communications for years. The actions were allegedly taken without proper legal justification, raising serious concerns about the limits of state power and individual privacy rights.
The case highlights broader issues about government overreach and the protection of journalists’ sources, which are critical to press freedom. It also underscores the potential consequences of unchecked surveillance powers, particularly when applied against individuals in sensitive roles like Kearney’s. The tribunal will now examine whether these actions violated UK laws and whether adequate oversight was in place.
For readers interested in world affairs, this story sheds light on tensions between national security and individual rights, as well as the challenges faced by journalists working in high-stakes environments. It also raises questions about accountability for intelligence agencies and the ethical use of surveillance tools. The outcome could set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future, with implications for both media freedom and public trust in government institutions.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/25/2026