In the history of mutual relations between press and terrorists there are episodes taken as arguments by supporters of those introducing restrictions in mass media’s activity as well as by their opponents.
In a number of cases, press helped to catch terrorists. That was, for example, in the USA. A single terrorist who got nicknamed a “Unabomber” sent parcels with bombs for a long time. 3 people died and 23 were injured as a result of explosions organized by him. In 1995 the Unabomber promised to stop terror if the largest American newspapers such as The Washington Post and The New York Times published his long manifest for protection of environment, against the technology development and globalization. The newspapers made a decision to publish the Unabomber’s letter but they also published a request to all readers to identify the criminal. This worked out: one person saw the actions of his brother – an unemployed mathematician Theodor Kachinski. He – the Unabomber was arrested and indicted.
In other situations the role of press appeared less attractive. In 1996 the US special services investigated the case of a terrorist who blew up bombs in the abortions clinics. The special services suspected a certain Richard Javell and organized the “leakage” of this information in press. Some newspapers and TV companies found it possible to promulgate. As a result, Javell’s life turned into a hell though he was not officially charged. In several months the FBI tracked down the real terrorist Eric Rudolf. He was found guilty at court.
In 1980 terrorists hostaged the Iranian embassy’s personnel. Special services prepared to storm the embassy and asked TV companies’ representatives not to allow their cameramen to shoot approaches to the building as the element of a sudden attack could be lost. However ITN operators shot special services’ solders clambering up the walls of the embassy. The storming was off-screened just thanks to self actions from the part of the editor-in-chief. The action was a success and terrorists were neutralized.