Protests held in support of journalists under threat

Credit: Presseye
A number of journalists working for Northern Ireland newspapers have been threatened in recent weeks. Credit: Presseye

Socially distanced demonstrations have been held by journalists in solidarity with colleagues under threat.

It comes after threats were issued against a number of journalists by loyalist paramilitaries in recent weeks.

The breakaway South East Antrim UDA is being linked to the latest threat, following a spate of similar incidents earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Sunday World journalist Patricia Devlin has spoken out after receiving a threat targeting her baby son.

Members of the National Union of Journalists held socially-distanced protests in Belfast and Londonderry on Monday.

At both demonstrations in Belfast and Derry, a minute’s silence was also held in memory of murdered journalists Lyra McKee and Martin O’Hagan.

Due to coronavirus regulations, many expressed solidarity with the demonstrations on social media, using the hashtag #standupforjournalism.

NUJ Belfast and district chair Robin Wilson commented: “The NUJ in Northern Ireland has already buried two members.

“I was a former colleague of Martin O’Hagan and part of the guard of honour at the funeral of Lyra McKee last year.

“We say: No more Martin O’Hagans; no more Lyra McKees.”

Lyra McKee (left) and Martin O'Hagan (right) were both killed by paramilitaries. Credit: Pacemaker

Earlier, the NUJ’s Irish secretary, Séamus Dooley, said: “Journalists must publicly stand with those under threat. Intimidation and harassment are not acceptable.

“Threats are occurring nearly every week in Northern Ireland. Women journalists in particular are being targeted with vile and misogynist abuse.”

Mr Dooley added: “We do not allow anyone to stop our members doing their job.

“That job is to shine a light in dark places. Having done so, it is our duty to exercise our right to freedom of expression in the public interest - to speak truth to power."

Journalist Lyra McKee was shot dead in April 2019 in the Creggan area of Londonderry by dissident republican group the New IRA while observing clashes with police.

Sunday World reporter Martin O'Hagan was murdered by paramilitaries, the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) as he walked home with his wife in 2001.

The campaign is part of the NUJ’s #StandUpForJournalism campaign .