Calls for PSNI spy operations targeting journalists to be ‘fully investigated’

A member of the Policing Board has called for PSNI surveillance of journalists to be “fully investigated”. SDLP member Colin McGrath made the call days after the PSNI and MI5 were ordered to pay RTÉ Northern Editor Vincent Kearney £10,000 each after he was illegally spied on. The IPT examines complaints from people who believe they have been the victim of unlawful covert surveillance.Details of state surveillance on Mr Kearney came to light as part of IPT proceedings involving two other Belfast journalists, Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney, in 2024.PSNI and MI5 ordered to pay journalist Vincent Kearney £20,000Opens in new windowVeteran journalist Brian Rowan raises concern over PSNI snooping operationOpens in new windowJournalist Vincent Kearney (Liam McBurney/PA) The tribunal later found