Amnesty International has welcomed the decision in a Belfast court today by Judge Tom Burgess to refuse an application for a court order by the PSNI compelling Sunday Tribune Northern Editor Suzanne Breen to hand over material obtained in the course of her work as a journalist.

"This case had serious implications for the freedom of the press in the UK and Ireland," said Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland Programme Director of Amnesty International.

"Freedom of the press is an essential element of the right to freedom of expression, recognised under international law, and in general includes the principle that journalists must be able to protect their sources. We welcome today’s decision but remain concerned at this attempt by the PSNI to use secret evidence and anti-terrorism legislation against a journalist."