Guardian photographer ‘uncovered to threat’ after Farage shares press card image

Reform chief Nigel Farage has mentioned being visited by a Guardian photographer underlined why he wanted additional safety.

The Guardian has issued a press release in defence of its photographer after Reform UK chief Nigel Farage shared a picture of the photographer’s press card on social media.

The photographer was taking images from a public path, in line with The Guardian, whereas engaged on a narrative associated to allegations that the Reform chief did not disclose a £5m reward from a Thailand-based crypto billionaire.

Farage mentioned, sharing an image of the photographer’s press card on social media: “My security team just found this journalist from The Guardian at my property. This is exactly why I need security. Completely unacceptable.”

The Guardian, which broke the story on 29 April that Farage has received a secret personal donation from a Thailand-based billionaire, mentioned the photographer confirmed his NUJ Press Card when requested for identification by Farage, who then took a photograph of the cardboard. Reform has mentioned the donation was made to pay for Farage’s safety.

The Guardian mentioned in a statement: “The Guardian is anxious by the current publication on Nigel Farage’s social media pages of the skilled credentials of a photographer engaged on behalf of the Guardian whereas he was working lawfully in a public house.

“Holding public figures to account is the position of a free press.

“As part of the Guardian’s journalism covering Nigel Farage’s purchase of a £1.4m property in cash shortly after receiving a £5m personal gift, a photographer took pictures from a public path and showed his press card when asked to identify himself.”

Journalists ‘increasingly targets of shocking abuse’

The NUJ has also pushed back in opposition to Farage’s social media posts, claiming he’s placing journalists in danger.

Laura Davison, NUJ normal secretary, mentioned: “The NUJ has seen the posting on Nigel Farage’s social media pages of an NUJ Press Card, intentionally sharing the credentials of knowledgeable press photographer. No journalist must be topic to actions that concentrate on them or expose them to potential threat in the middle of their authentic work. This flies within the face of press freedom.

“Our recent Journalists’ Safety Tracker report revealed that journalists are increasingly becoming targets of shocking abuse and harassment online and in-person, restricting their ability to do their work, and the union reiterates the need for urgent action to tackle this scourge.”

Farage blames ‘computer hacking’ for publicity of reward

In response to the preliminary reporting of the alleged reward, Farage mentioned a “serious computer-hacking case” was behind the disclosure and claimed the story was an “operation” in opposition to him.

[Read more: Enemies of the Nigel: BBC joins growing list of Farage media beefs]

Farage has additionally mentioned the reward was for his private safety.

Reform UK has offered no proof to assist claims that the story was obtained by means of pc hacking however is exploring its authorized choices, according to The Times.

A Guardian supply mentioned: “Mr Farage should be answering the questions raised by legitimate, public interest journalism, rather than attacking the media with baseless claims.”

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