Union condemns police raids on Seven over Schapelle as ‘heavy handed’
The union which represents journalists has this afternoon condemned today’s raid on Channel Seven by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) labelling it “heavy handed” and a “complete over reaction.”
This morning police raided the TV network looking for documents related to the interview the network’s Sunday Night program has reportedly lined up convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby.
The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) said they were concerned about the number of officers being used and the AFP’s decision to raid multiple locations.
“We are very concerned at today’s events,” MEAA spokesman Paul Murphy said. “The heavy handed response of police seems a complete overreaction.”
Murphy also raised concerns the AFP may be trying to intimidate the television network over the interview and said it would continue to monitor events closely.
“Why is a small army of officers required to burst into newsrooms if all they want is to view financial records?,” he said.
“We are concerned the tactics have more than an element of intimidation and we will be monitoring developments very closely.”
All morning, the AFP have consistently refused to comment on the raids except to say that they have issued a number of search warrants in Sydney.
“The AFP can confirm it has executed a number of search warrants in Sydney in relation to an ongoing Proceeds of Crime Act matter,” it said in a statement.
“As this matter is ongoing, it is not appropriate for the AFP to comment any further.”
It is understood they also went into Pacific Magazine’s offices in Eveleigh, and Seven’s Martin Place offices, but have not yet reached the base for Sunday Night, the show reported to have signed the deal, which are understood to be separate from the main offices in Sydney.
Nic Christensen
