British Photographer Arrested for "antisocial behaviour".

[AcadieLibre]

Yes, probably true, but I've read about documented scenarios in UK and North America where minorities are getting away with things that others would more than likely be detained or prosecuted for...such as goings on during rallies or protests, flag burnings, etc. So yes, homeland security may trump political correctness, but certainly not eliminate it's influence in the dynamics of such situations. If it did, the term racial profiling wouldn't exist and little old ladies wouldn't have to take their shoes off at airport security.

I am lost at what you are talking about, racial profiling in N.A. is a huge issue and minorities are far more likely to be, stopped, harassed and jailed, then the little old white lady who has to do what everyone else at the airport does. How many little old white ladies are pulled over for secondary inspections at airports compared to those who fit certain racial stereotypes? Racial minorities getting away with more, that is just a joke right? Anyway we should just stick to the issue of the post and photographers of any race being harassed. It is about a photographer who stood up for his rights, not about race. Keep on topic.

[F8&Bthere]

Marko's post I quote:

Could you even IMAGINE what would have happened to this guy had he looked LESS white and tried to protect his rights?
He could have been jailed indefinitely.

I was just questioning that, in a way, to say maybe or maybe not.
But as I do far too often, I probably didn't word my thoughts properly, should have known better.
Still AL you are putting way too many words in my mouth... re-read my post.
As for the off-topic part... sorry?

[AcadieLibre]

Well FB we will just leave it at that, not going to debate it and just here for the photography aspect of the site and things that pertain to photography, outside of course outside the Off Topic Forum.

I had thought I had also posted this link to a similar situation with some slight differences but where the British Police overstep their boundaries and use scare tactics and Terror laws to harass and abuse photographers. I know this happens outside of Britain and try will and post any of these that I come across. Here is another one.


'You're filming for fun? I don't believe you' | UK news | guardian.co.uk

[Marko]

Threads go off-topic all the time A.L....your response to F8 seems a bit abrupt. We are all only trying to share opinions and experiences...
This one was probably MY fault anyway fro bringing race into the picture.
In F8's defense, I know exactly what he is talking about..sometimes minorities do get special treatment to their benefit based on race alone. I just don't think it applies or would apply in this particular case.

I do recall that second link A.L. and both of them from The U.K. Hmmmm.
IMO - this might be a pure policy issue (having cops harass the occasional photographer in a public place). PERHAPS they feel that if the public sees cops checking people out (and arresting them) the public will feel safer. I don't know. What I do know is that I was bloody mad when I watched that video yesterday.

Thx - M

[F8&Bthere]

...and I probably should have added to my post to tie it all together, clarify, and get back to the original topic, that in the case of this photographer, the fact that he was white, male, middle/upper class in the UK didn't spare him from being harassed by police, as in no preferential treatment here.

Marko: IMO - this might be a pure policy issue (having cops harass the occasional photographer in a public place). PERHAPS they feel that if the public sees cops checking people out (and arresting them) the public will feel safer.

I'll watch the 2nd one later, but that 1st one that started this thread, to me, just seemed to be a random situation that developed when a photographer attracted attention, wrong place/wrong time, and a cop a bit high on authority and low on judgement asked for some info, and as soon as the guy "resisted" authority, it all went to hell in a handbasket from there.

[Iguanasan]

Just watched the 2nd one. It's atrocious. Honestly, I don't know what goes on in their brains that they think they have to do this.

I can't find it now but I saw another video of two guys out shooting and one of them was shooting a building and the security guard just about lost his mind and then the police were soon to follow.

FOUND IT! Here it is: Video: A few photographs add up to a minor terror alert | UK news | guardian.co.uk

The funny thing is, I bet you can find quality images on Google Maps!