LEADING politicians have condemned a death threat by a section of the UDA against a Belfast-based journalist.
The threat was made because of the journalist's reporting on criminal activity associated with the loyalist paramilitary group, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) said.
Irish secretary of the NUJ Seamus Dooley said journalists should be able to work "without fear of intimidation or threat of violence".
He called for the threat against the reporter, who wishes to remain anonymous, to be lifted immediately.
"We understand this is a credible threat of violence, confirmed by the PSNI, and are therefore concerned for the safety of the journalist and those close to him," he said.
"We urge those in positions of influence within the UDA to use their good offices to have the threat withdrawn.
"The NUJ has offered support and assistance to the journalist under threat and will always support members placed under threat."
He added: "Respect for divergent views and challenging journalism is the hallmark of a democratic society and there is no place in our society for this type of intimidation, from any quarter."
DUP East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson condemned the threat, saying "paramilitary activity" has "absolutely no place in our society".
"Society upholds freedom of the press. Nobody should feel intimidated as a result of the work they do," he added.
UUP MLA Doug Beattie said the press "should be free to go about their work without the threat of violence".
Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O'Neill tweeted: "This threat should be lifted immediately and all political leaders should show support for this journalist.
"There is no place for UDA or any paramilitary group in our society. Needs to be challenged head on."
Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International's Northern Ireland programme director, said: "Guaranteeing freedom of expression must be a cornerstone of Northern Ireland as a peaceful and just society."
