Journalist for The Intercept Is Kicked Out of Counterterrorism Conference

“We’re not banning you, we’re just not allowing you access,” a security officer told Ryan Gallagher, a reporter for The Intercept, when he showed up at one of the world’s largest annual counterterrorism events.

Gallagher reports at The Intercept:

The event, the Counter Terror Expo, is held in a large conference hall in Kensington … on the west side of London. Hundreds of companies and government officials come together there every year to discuss the latest developments in the broad field of national security.

It was an unexpected situation at a gathering I had covered several times in the past. As in previous years, I registered in advance for press accreditation and, as normal, had my application approved. “Please bring your badge reference number and photo ID,” I was told in an email. “Hope you have a great show.” …

But problems began as soon as I arrived. At the media registration desk, I handed over my badge reference information, and a woman named Georgia entered the details onto a computer. She frowned, looked at me, and said she would have to make a couple of phone calls.

A few minutes later, her colleague arrived on the scene. There was a quiet discussion between them behind the desk, and then he too made a few calls. I heard him asking on the phone: “What is The Intercept?”

Keep reading here.

— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly.