FIRE Scholar Warns 133,000-Signature Arday Petition Could Fuel UK Press Censorship
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 21
FIRE Scholar Warns 133,000-Signature Arday Petition Could Fuel UK Press Censorship
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 21
Summary
Sarah McLaughlin of FIRE said calls for a public inquiry after former Cambridge professor Jason Arday’s death risk turning grief and anger into broader UK media censorship.
More than 133,000 people had signed a Good Law Project petition by Friday demanding an inquiry into press conduct, arguing coverage after Arday’s resignation had ceased to serve the public interest.
Arday was found dead at a south London address last week, days after resigning from Cambridge amid plagiarism allegations and questions over his academic qualifications and biography; police said the death was not believed suspicious.
McLaughlin said critics can challenge inaccurate or cruel reporting through speech, boycotts and public pressure, but warned giving government more power over the press could be abused to silence scrutiny of misconduct or crimes.