Over 70 Attacks, Threats Target Journalists in Northern Ireland

A report by Amnesty International has revealed that Northern Ireland has experienced over 70 attacks and death threats against journalists since 2019, making it the most dangerous place in the UK to be a reporter. Journalists have faced threats including being shot or stabbed, bombs under cars, and gendered threats, with some even receiving death and rape warnings; these attacks are largely attributed to paramilitary and organized crime groups. Two journalists, Martin O'Hagan and Lyra McKee, were killed in 2001 and 2019 respectively, and many others have been physically attacked or had their property damaged. Despite these threats, most go unpunished, with only two successful prosecutions since June 2022, and none involving paramilitary groups, leading many journalists to feel unprotected and some even avoiding reporting threats to the police. The report criticizes the Police Service of Northern Ireland for inadequate investigations and highlights the exclusion of journalists from the Government’s home protection scheme, which has caused many to invest in private security measures. Amnesty International recommends establishing a new media safety group chaired by Justice Minister Naomi Long, improving police response and training, and ensuring journalists at risk have access to protection schemes.