NUJ condemns new threat to Northern Ireland journalist
The union has strongly condemned a violent threat issued by loyalist paramilitaries against a journalist employed by Independent News and Media.
The National Union of Journalists has strongly condemned a violent threat issued against a journalist employed by Independent News and Media (INM), Northern Ireland.
The journalist who works for the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life newspapers had been advised by the Police Service of Northern Ireland that he is at risk of attack from loyalist paramilitaries.
His employer and the NUJ are united in supporting the journalist.
Séamus Dooley, assistant general secretary said:
"We unreservedly condemn this latest threat, which we understand comes from a loyalist terrorist group. Yet again a journalist is faced with threats simply for doing their job. We extend solidarity to our chapel members at INM in Belfast and assure them of our support. The Belfast Telegraph, Sunday Life and Sunday World have been at the receiving end of threats over the years and it is deeply disturbing that yet again a journalist is subjected to attempts at intimidation.
"Earlier this year the NUJ, media organisations, political parties, trade union groups and a cross section of business and community groups united in support of reporters under threat from so called paramilitary group.
"Our clear message today is the same as then, 'Threats and intimidation have no place in Northern Ireland and journalists will not buckle in the face of these tactics'. No political cause is served by these actions – what we are dealing with here is criminality."