Amnesty: Northern Ireland journalists experience attacks, death threats

Amnesty: Northern Ireland journalists experience attacks, death threats
——————————–
A recent Amnesty International report has documented 71 attacks or threats against journalists in Northern Ireland since 2019, The Guardian reported. Based on 26 interviews, including 22 with journalists, the report highlights serious threats such as warnings of shootings, stabbings, and bombs placed under vehicles. Many journalists reportedly no longer report threats due to lengthy procedures and lack of effective action.

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty’s Northern Ireland director, described the region as the most dangerous place in the UK for journalists. The report is dedicated to Martin O’Hagan and Lyra McKee, journalists killed in 2001 and 2019, respectively. Threats mainly come from armed paramilitary and organized crime groups.

Since June 2022, only two prosecutions have occurred for threats against journalists, none involving paramilitaries. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has developed safety plans, appointed journalist safety officers, and encourages reporting threats. The report calls for stronger measures, including a new Media Safety Group and access to government protection schemes for journalists.