Student cleared over MI6 'leak' 'secrets' charges
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Special Branch has dropped charges under the Official Secrets Act against Julie-Ann Davies, the Kingston University student arrested in March.
Special Branch has dropped charges under the Official Secrets Act against Julie-Ann Davies, the Kingston University student arrested in March.
A supporter of the renegade MI5 officer David Shayler, Ms Davies had been interviewed by officers investigating the leak of a top-secret MI6 report on to the internet. Yesterday she said: "My lawyer Gareth Peirce received a letter dated yesterday - the day David returned from France - saying the charges had been dropped."
Ms Davies, aged 35, who has been on police bail since March, said yesterday she was angry at her "callous" treatment by the police and was consulting her lawyer about legal action against them. "I still do not know what it is I am supposed to have done. I have not heard from Special Branch since I was first interviewed in March," she said. "The arrest has wrecked my university career. I have been suffering from depression since the arrest, and then they drop the matter without any explanation."
She said she would continue to support David Shayler and campaign for reform of the Official Secrets Act.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments