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The SDLP has backed the Sunday Tribune's Northern Editor, Suzanne Breen, in her refusal to comply with PSNI demands that she hand over phones, computers and other material relating to stories on the Real IRA.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan, along with the Alliance party's EU candidate, Ian Parsley, and Green candidate Stephen Agnew, have backed a campaign supporting Breen in her legal battle with police.
The campaign has attracted significant national and international support. It has been endorsed by journalists, writers, civil liberties groups, trade unionists, and arts and cultural figures.
Last week, the SDLP attempted to table motions in the House of Commons and the Stormont Assembly supporting Breen saying the PSNI's actions could seriously undermine investigative journalism.
SDLP Assembly member Alex Attwood said he was stunned when told that neither chamber could debate the matter because it was sub judice (under judgement).
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The right of journalists to protect the confidentiality of sources is fundamental to a free press and to the climate of trust necessary to its operation. Suzanne Breen deserves the support of all who value a free press.
Her predecessor, Ed Moloney, was dragged down the same road years ago. I hope that Suzanne is vindicated by the courts, as Ed was.
It is regrettable that our new shining police service still exhibits this old negative throwback to RUC days. Wake up, cops!