BBC man will not testify at terror trial
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.The BBC's security correspondent, Frank Gardner, has said that he would not wish to give evidence against the man accused of taking part in a terrorist attack which left the British reporter paralysed and his cameraman murdered.
Gardner was ambushed by a gang of Islamist terrorists in June last year while he was trying to film a report in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.
The BBC correspondent, who was last month awarded an OBE for services to journalism,was shot six times and left for dead. His cameraman, Simon Cumbers, was killed. After 12 operations, Gardner, whose spinal nerves were severed in the attack, returned to work in April.
In an interview published today in The Independent's Media Weekly, Gardner said that he did not wish to give evidence at any forthcoming trial, at which the accused would face a death sentence.
The journalist added: "I would not be able to positively identify this person anyhow. The attack happened so quickly I would not be able to say. You are talking here about sentencing somebody to death, effectively, if you say, 'Yes, that's the guy.' I could never be sure enough."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments