More than 70 attacks and death threats against NI journalists in last six years, finds report
Amnesty International, which carried out the research, is calling it the "most dangerous place in the UK” to be a journalist.
A new report has found there have been more than 70 attacks and death threats against journalists in Northern Ireland over the last six years.
Amnesty International, which carried out the research, is calling it the "most dangerous place in the UK” to be a journalist.
It also says most of the threats have come from paramilitary groups, as well as from armed organised crime groups.
Occupational Hazard? Threats And Violence Against Journalists In Northern Ireland reveals that reporters have been told they will be shot or stabbed, threatened with bombs under their car and given 48-hour ultimatums to leave.
Two journalists, Martin O'Hagan and Lyra McKee, were killed in 2001 and 2019 respectively, while others have been physically attacked, had equipment damaged and cars battered with poles laced with nails.
The organization said, “Most threats against journalists go unpunished. There have been no prosecutions for any threats from paramilitary groups.”
“For decades, some have felt that dealing with threats was just part of their job; an ‘occupational hazard’ they have been forced to accept.”
Amnesty has made a series of recommendations for the police and various government departments which include:
• Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA should establish and chair a new Media Safety Group, with representatives from the PSNI, Public Prosecution Service (PPS), media organisations and the NUJ, to deliver a new journalist safety strategy
• The PSNI must review its procedural response to threats and attacks against journalists and conduct investigations capable of leading to successful prosecutions
• The PSNI must produce new guidance and training for officers on the protection of journalists during public disorder
• The Northern Ireland Office and Department of Justice should ensure at-risk journalists can access the Home Protection Scheme
• The UK government should establish an independent public inquiry into the 2001 murder of Martin O’Hagan if the expected Police Ombudsman’s investigation finds serious failings or wrongdoing by the police.