What price a precious principle of freedom?

FOUNDED i n 1972, the Index on Censorship has long been a champion of free expression – opposing tyrants in the Soviet Union and Third World and passionately defending the freedom of the Press.

In Britain, it helped fight successful campaigns to reform this country’s chilling defamation laws and end libel tourism.

Crucially, Index was also implacably opposed to the Leveson Inquiry’s ‘dangerous’ call for statutory regulation of newspapers, which it rightly warned would lead to ‘ unacceptable’ political interference in journalism and set a terrible example to Press- crushing despots across the globe.

Yet, 18 months on from Leveson, this wonderful organisation finds itself in a dreadful mess – short of money and with key supporters quitting over a bewildering decision to hand a prominent role to a cheerleader of Hacked Off, a coalition of newspaper-hating zealots, priapic actors and small-town academics. As we reveal today, some of Index’s financial problems can be linked to the activities of a small, incestuous nexus of Left- of- centre individuals – including former Leveson assessor Sir David Bell – furious with its stance against Leveson.

Our investigation centres on a £40,000 grant application made by the Index to the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, which had been a supporter of its work.

Initially, the Foundation gave a positive response then – in a huge surprise – changed its mind and said no money would be forthcoming. Sitting on the board that took the decision? None other than Sir David – who had previously f ounded t he Media Standards Trust which spawned Hacked Off.

As Index finance director David Sewell told the Mail: ‘ Certain members of the board were not happy with our position (on Press regulation).’

What is so bitterly disappointing is that, instead of holding firm, the response of Index has been to try to appease the likes of Sir David by appointing Steve Coogan – a ubiquitous spokesman for Hacked Off – as a patron.

This is despite the fact that Mr Coogan despises the red- top Press f or i ts revelations about his past dalliances with cocaine and lap dancers. For Mr Coogan, it seems that freedom of expression does not apply to those writing about his own affairs.

Already, Private Eye editor Ian Hislop, whose magazine carries many brilliant investigations, and the distinguished journalist Francis Wheen have resigned their own roles at Index in protest and others may understandably follow suit. Pandering to the Hacked Off zealots may get the donations rolling in again – but at what price the principles that Index once held so dear?