Justice Chamberlain, who heard the case in both open and closed hearings, made his decision after Attorney General Suella Braverman asked for an order to block the scheduled broadcast. He had argued that it would harm national security and pose a “real and immediate risk of serious or life-threatening damage” to the MI5 agent. The BBC claimed that it was in the public interest to reveal his identity. The decision means that the BBC can run the program, but must not identify the alleged informant or the hidden source of human information (Chis). The broadcaster’s proposed report would argue that the man, identified in the proceedings as “X”, used his role as an agent to abuse, control and coerce a former associate, nicknamed “Beth”, and that MI5 either knew or should have known that and it was a mistake to use him as an agent. However, in Thursday’s ruling, Judge Chamberlain said the public disclosure of his identity would have “no significant effect” on the protection of women, but would pose a threat to the agent and undermine the effectiveness of the security services’ work.
“The revelation is in real danger of killing ‘X’
He said: “In my opinion, the Prosecutor is more likely to succeed in the trial to prove that the balance of public and private interests favors the relief that prohibits the BBC from revealing X’s name and image.” The judge added: “The information about X’s identity, in the context of the allegation that he is Chis who works or worked for MI5, is – as the BBC admits – confidential. “Although X is said to have revealed it to Beth (his ex-partner) and revealed it to the BBC, it is known only to a small group of people. “The Prosecutor has satisfied me that, if it became public or widely known, there would be a real and immediate danger of X being killed or seriously injured. “Extensive safeguards must be taken and will be taken to address this risk. “As a result of these measures, the public disclosure of X’s identity would not have a significant protective effect on women who are considering having an affair or relationship with X.” “While the inclusion of X’s name and image would make the BBC story more compelling and potentially more appealing to a wider audience, it would do material damage to the effectiveness of the security and intelligence work and therefore , the national security of the United Kingdom “. Ms Braverman’s lawyers argued at a hearing in March that there was no public interest in identifying him, which would outweigh the risk to the man’s life and the impact on national security. A spokesman for the Attorney General’s Office said: “We welcome today’s decision.
