One reason only for these recent abuses

[boston bean]

To preface:

1) Both the UK and the US know what is contained in the info Snowden released, if they don't they are incompetent buffoons.
2) There are multiple electronic copies of these leaked documents. They don't exist in one place. If authorities in the UK and US don't know this, it is more evidence that they are incompetent buffoons.
3) It is unlikely they are incompetent buffoons of this magnitude.

So, why:

1) Detain Greenwalds partner at Heathrow and confiscate, drives, thumb drives, phones, etc, that may contain info that they know the contents of and can't control further dissemination?
2) Destroy the electronic appliances containing these documents, that they strong arm the Guardian into letting them destroy?

Reason:

Intimidate journalists who may be leaked sensitive documents of government wrong doing, in the future. Make them unlikely to report abuses, that have been leaked to them.

You OK with that? If so, why?

[TomClash]

1. Not exactly

Not exactly, I think the UK is trying to interrupt the communications flow between Greenwald and Poitras.

[boston bean]

2. OK, still wouldn't the above still be true?

Plus therre's a lot of talk about "stolen documents".

They think Poitras doesn't have copies, and is this something we want th gov't interfering with... This isn't the definition of a free press, at least to me.

[TomClash]

3. Oh, I agree with all that

I was just adding what I think their motive was.