NUJ: Two Northern Ireland journalists issued with death threats by Loyalist paramilitaries

Two un-named Northern Ireland journalist have been issued with death threats by Loyalist paramilitaries, according to the NUJ.

The only journalist killed during the modern Troubles in Northern Ireland was Martin O'Hagan, murdered 11 years ago for exposing the gangster activities of Loyalist paramilitaries. In January the prosecution of his killers was abandoned after the Northern Ireland director of public prosecutions said evidence from a supergrass would not be sufficient on its own.

Here is the statement from the NUJ:

The National Union of Journalists has condemned a death threat issued by Loyalist paramilitaries against two Northern Ireland based journalists.

The names of the journalists are not being released at this time.

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary said: “A free press is a hallmark of a democratic society and anyone making threats against journalists for carrying out their work attempts to undermine democracy as well as press freedom. Threats against journalists from any quarter must stop.”

Barry McCall, NUJ president said: “Threats such as these cannot be tolerated. Journalists in Northern Ireland have a proud record of refusing to be intimidated by such threats but they should not be subject to them in the first place. The NUJ calls on those responsible for the threats to withdraw them immediately and to issue a public statement to that effect.”

Bob Miller, NEC member and Belfast branch chair said: "The naked threat of violence by paramilitaries, whatever their background, against members of this union is to be deplored. We ask those responsible for issuing threats against journalists working in Northern Ireland to withdraw them immediately and we call on their public representatives to issue a statement to that effect."