ONGOING paramilitary threats to working journalists in Northern Ireland have been highlighted in a simultaneous socially-distanced show of support by colleagues in Belfast and Derry.
National Union of Journalists members in both cities came together yesterday for a minute's silence in memory of Martin O'Hagan and Lyra McKee who were killed by paramilitary groups.
Both gatherings were small due to Covid-19 restrictions.
In Belfast, they stood at Writer's Square in the city centre's Cathedral Quarter before walking together to the steps of St Anne's Cathedral.
At the same time in Derry there was a silent demonstration on the Guildhall steps.
Afterwards the Belfast & District NUJ branch committee met union representatives at some of the main regional papers, including Independent News and Media, which publishes The Belfast Telegraph, Sunday Life and The Sunday World, publications which have recently come under direct threat.
There was also a show of support and solidarity from journalists on social media using the hashtag #standupforjournalism.
Chair of the Belfast & District branch, Robin Wilson, said: "The NUJ in Northern Ireland has already buried two members. I was a former colleague of Martin O’Hagan and part of the guard of honour at the funeral of Lyra McKee last year.
"We say: no more Martin O'Hagans; no more Lyra McKees."
NUJ Irish secretary Séamus Dooley said all journalists "must publicly stand with those under threat".
"Intimidation and harassment are not acceptable. Threats are occurring nearly every week in Northern Ireland. Women journalists in particular are being targeted with vile and misogynist abuse.
"Threats should never be accepted as part of the job of a journalist or any other worker. Intimidation, harassment and online abuse should not be normalised."
He said the union "do not allow anyone to stop our members doing their job".
"That job is to shine a light in dark places. Having done so, it is our duty to exercise our right to freedom of expression in the public interest—to speak truth to power."
