Initiative highlighting threats made against NI reporters receives widespread support

THE publishers of three Belfast-based newspapers and the National Union of Journalists have joined together to stand up for reporters and press freedom in Northern Ireland.

The initiative has secured local and global endorsement, involving many prominent individuals and organisations.

The public statement is carried today in the Belfast Telegraph, Irish News and News Letter and has been endorsed by political, trade union, industry, community and religious leaders.

Signatories include the First Minister Arlene Foster, deputy First Minster Michelle O’neill and the majority of MLAS.

The joint initiative aims to highlight and challenge the increasing number of threats of violence against the media.

Earlier this month it emerged loyalist paramilitaries had issued threats against journalists at the Sunday Life and Sunday World newspapers.

Under the banner “Stand Up for Journalism” the public statement strongly asserts the right of journalists to work without threats, intimidation or harassment.

Seamus Dooley, NUJ assistant general secretary, said: “In the past the trade union movement took to the streets in protest against the threats to workers.

“In the difficult circumstances in which we find ourselves today, we rely on newspapers to highlight the threats to journalists.

“By working with the publishers and our members affected, we have been able to secure the support of a cross-section of society in Northern Ireland.”

Martin Breen, Sunday Life editor, said: “Enough is enough. Some 26 years after the ceasefires, terrorist organisations from both the loyalist and republican side are continuing to threaten journalists on an ongoing basis because we have been exposing their dirty deeds and criminal empires.

“We all have to stand up against these vile threats as their sole aim is to silence investigative journalism and curtail the public’s right to know about those gangsters operating in their communities across Northern Ireland.

“We hold everyone to account and will continue to expose criminality and all wrongdoing no matter where it originates.”

Brian Farrell, Sunday World editor, said: “The recent threats issued to our journalists only serves 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.”

Noel Doran, Irish News editor, added: “The increase in the number of serious threats against Belfast-based journalists is a deeply alarming development, so the significant level of support behind today’s initiative is heartening.

“It sends out a strong message that all the attempts at intimidation will have no effect on our coverage, that the perpetrators need to be robustly pursued by the authorities and that civil society is firmly behind freedom of the press.”

❝ We all have to stand up against these vile threats. Their sole aim is to silence investigative journalism