Northern Ireland: IFJ condemns paramilitary threat against journalist

The International Federation of Journalists has strongly condemned a threat of attack against a Belfast-based journalist by a paramilitary group in Northern Ireland.

In a statement IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger expressed solidarity with the Irish News journalist and expressed support for the strong position taken by her union, the National Union of Journalists and by her employer. 

He said: “We support the NUJ call for the immediate and unconditional lifting of this threat. Journalists must be free to operate without fear of threat or any form of intimidation. The Police Service of Northern Ireland  has confirmed that this threat is being taken seriously and we wish to express our solidarity with the member, her union and her Irish News colleagues at this time.

This is an unacceptable attempt to silence journalists for doing their job. It has not worked in the past and will not succeed on this occasion.”

For more information, please contact IFJ on +32 2 235 22 16

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 146 countries

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