Below is the latest press release (issued today 19/02/2021) from the newly formed Northern Ireland Assembly All-Party Group on Press Freedom and Media Sustainability.
The newly formed Northern Ireland Assembly All-Party Group on Press Freedom and Media Sustainability is requesting to meet with PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne as it investigates the extent of press intimidation in Northern Ireland and to seek clarity on how the police is responding to the proliferation of harassment and threats against journalists.
Today, the All-Party Group heard harrowing evidence from Sunday World journalist Patricia Devlin on the successive incidents of threat perpetrated against her from a variety of criminal and paramilitary linked sources and the ongoing trauma it has caused her and her family.
Chair of the All-Party Group on Press Freedom and Media Sustainability Matthew O’Toole MLA said, “In a democracy the freedom of the press is a fundamental and non-negotiable principle, but in Northern Ireland threat and intimidation of journalists has become normalised. Patricia’s case is incredibly troubling, not just because of the huge personal trauma it has placed upon her and her loved ones, but also because it is indicative of the extent of the threat that exists for all journalists working in Northern Ireland. There is a worrying blurring of lines between online and off-line threats and it is clear that social media is increasingly playing a role in inciting intimidation of journalists. This type of harassment takes a considerable mental toll and can leave individuals feeling hopeless. A strong deterrent to this type of intimidation must exist and be consistently implemented. Both politicians and the police service here have an important role to play in ensuring that freedom of the press is protected and that everyone feels safe to do their job in our society. The APG looks forward to engaging with the PSNI on these concerns.”
Vice-Chair Mike Nesbitt also commented “It would appear from evidence from the National Union of Journalists that police forces in Great Britain have had greater success against individuals who have threaten journalists than is the case here. The All Party Group will assemble that evidence base and present it to the PSNI.
“As someone who had a handgun flashed in his face before a live outside broadcast, I understand how deeply intimidating these threats can be.”
A spokesperson for the National Union of Journalists welcomed the move:
“The NUJ welcomes this cross-party commitment to help increase the safety and protections for journalists and media workers in Northern Ireland and stamp out threats to press freedom. The APG has been very responsive, listening to NUJ members’ experiences and offering support. We welcome their request to meet with the police alongside the constructive engagement the NUJ is having with the PSNI, to tackle the range of issues currently facing our members in Northern Ireland.”
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Comrade Colonial Boy. My statement was personal musing and did not purport to take account of any other ‘large number of people’. Also, a step forward, as history has constantly shown, is not necessarily enjoyable or in the short term, advantageous. I am well aware of the bolstered economy of NI, it is perhaps one of the reasons, conscious or otherwise, of the state apathy and disregard of mainland politics. Thomas a Becket comes to mind, “Who will rid me of this troublesome priest?” Brexit seems to be the latter day answer.
Lewis
It appears little effort has been made to trace those behind these threats. They usual response from the PSNI/RUC is ” we do not comment on individual cases”
I’ve been thinking about things since your writing about Trisha Devlin – not the first time was it? Then I remembered the travesty of Burntollet Bridge.
I’ve always hoped for Irish unification as a massive step forward for Ireland but then the thought occurs, what sane, stable society would want to take on the problems of this reprobate fragment of a failing empire. What on earth would they do with the PSNI? And that’s just for starters.
That comment ignores the fact that there is a large number of people both in the North and the South who don’t view the assimilation of the the 6 counties into a United Ireland with unalloyed joy.
For one thing, from an RoI perspective, how would they pay for the decent health service they already have in the North, currently subsidised by about £10 billion from the rest of the UK. The Health service in the RoI is poor and held to ransom by a lot of overpaid grasping doctors.
And from a Northern perspective, why would they want to hook up with a state that, in the words of the great Irish novelist John McGahern, was stuck in the 19th century until about 1970 and whose founding fathers including Pearse and Devalera, both blood and soil nationalists in the Franco mould.
How hard can it be, to trace someone nowadays. I’m sure if they put some effort in, brainpower if they have a couple of brain cells free they can pick up the arseholes responsible. After all these peapul are known for their intimidating and aggressive behaviour.
Keep at them Phil
TAL🇮🇪
Don’t see a mention of the journalists harassed and arrested by brit police for uncovering evidence of collusion/cover up.