For reasons connected with due accuracy and impartiality, the version of the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines in force at the time said “We should not use the term ‘terrorist’ without attribution” (the current version says “The term ‘terrorist’ should only be used with attribution, ie when quoting or citing its use by others”).  As the ECU saw no material difference in this context between “terrorist” and “terror group”, it found the use of the phrase complained of was a breach of the BBC’s editorial standards.

Upheld