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Terrorist threats condemned


increasing spate of threats to staff on Belfast-based newspapers from paramilitary groups. Under the banner #StandupforJournalism, an advertisement signed by journalists, politicians of all parties, media organisations, religious groups, trade unions, community groups and creative workers was published by the Belfast Telegraph, Irish News and News Leter. Signatories to the statement, which called for “the immediate withdrawal of all threats against journalists in Northern Ireland and for the freedom of the press to be respected and protected”, included the first minister, Arlene Foster, the deputy first minster, Michelle O’Neill, and the majority of MLAs from the Northern Ireland Assembly, plus UK government ministers Oliver Dowden and Brandon Lewis.


A


n unprecedented alliance, brought together by the NUJ, has publicly condemned the


During the past 12 months there has been an increase in the number of violent threats against journalists in Northern Ireland from Republican and Loyalist paramilitary groups. A journalist working for Te Irish News was a recent target. Te union learned that many journalists in Northern Ireland had learned to see these threats as part of the job, but Séamus Dooley, NUJ assistant secretary, said this was totally unacceptable. Martin Breen, Sunday Life


editor, said that 26 years aſter the ceasefire terrorist organisations were continuing to threaten journalists because they were “exposing their dirty deeds and criminal empires”. He said: “We all have


communities across Northern Ireland.” Brian Farrell, Sunday World editor, said: “Te recent threats issued to our journalists only serve to highlight the risk and importance of exposing the criminal menace that plagues our society. We will not be silenced nor intimidated and will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice.” Advert with full list of signatories: htps://www.nuj.org.uk/ documents/stand-up-for- journalism-northern-ireland- advert/


Action


Add your name to the NUJ petition to support press freedom and stop the rise in death threats against Northern Ireland journalists. htps://www.megaphone.org.


uk/petitions/stop-the-rise-in-death-threats- against-northern-ireland-journalists


to stand up against these vile threats – their sole aim is to silence investigative journalism and curtail the public’s right to know about those gangsters operating in their


Tweet your support at #StandupforJournalism


Make reporting in Northern Ireland a topic for branch discussion, contact campaigns@nuj.org.uk for a speaker


CAMPAIGN


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