BBC journalists arrested in Ireland

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

All seven are being questioned at three garda stations in Co Donegal in the north west of Ireland.

"We can confirm that some of those arrested this morning in Co Donegal were BBC journalists," a BBC spokesman said. "They were working on a BBC Northern Ireland current affairs investigation and had full editorial authorisation under the BBC's guidelines. The other parties present were fully aware that they were with BBC journalists," he said.

Gardai said the men were aged between 30 and 48 years old.

Two are being held at Burnfoot garda station, two at Letterkenny, and three at Milford. They are being held under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.

A garda spokeswoman said: "The arrests relate to ongoing investigations into paramilitary activity."

Gardai confirmed a further four men were arrested in connection with the investigation.

The journalists were working on an investigation for BBC Northern Ireland's Spotlight programme looking into Real IRA activity in the area.

It is understood the BBC has provided legal representation for the men, who can be held in custody for up to 72 hours.

National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Irish Secretary Seamus Dooley confirmed the men were NUJ members.