BRITISH counterterrorism police have raided the home and seized devices of Electronic Intifada associate editor Asa Winstanley.
At least 10 officers arrived at Mr Winstanley’s north London home before 6am on Thursday, serving the journalist with warrants and other papers authorising them to search his house and vehicle for devices and documents.
A letter addressed to him from the Counter Terrorism Command of the Met Police said they were “investigating possible offences” under sections one and two of the Terrorism Act for “encouraging terrorism.”
An officer said the investigation was connected with Mr Winstanley’s social media posts, Electronic Intifada reported.
Mr Winstanley was not arrested and has not been charged with any offence.
Electronic Intifada said the raid “is clearly intended to intimidate and silence him, as well as other journalists and activists.
“As far as The Electronic Intifada is concerned, it will have only the opposite effect,” it said,
“Our colleague Asa Winstanley can count on our full support and solidarity, and as a publication, we will continue to pursue with vigour any stories documenting British complicity in Israel’s crimes.”
Jeremy Corbyn, independent MP for Islington North, said: "This is an extremely concerning and alarming incident.
“British authorities are cracking down on those who dare challenge the great crimes of our time – from activists campaigning to save our planet, to journalists exposing the genocide in Gaza.
“We must stop this authoritarian spiral, and defend the rights of those who refuse to stay silent in the face of injustice."
Mr Winstanley said: "Thank you so much to everyone for the torrent of support and solidarity you’ve sent my way. Your messages of love and support have been very important to us in the context of an experience no one should have to go through.
“I have dedicated my career to journalism and telling the truth but right now my priority is the protection of my sources.
“We are taking legal steps to ensure that happens.Journalism is not a crime."
