Resisting the threat to journalists

Last night I issued a statement on behalf of the union after another journalist in Northern Ireland was targeted by paramilitaries - this time the Red Hand Defenders.
Death threats against Robin Livingstone, the editor of the Anderstown News, were sent to broadcaster UTV.

Robin is just one more journalist the paramilitaries are trying to silence. We will never forget the killing of NUJ member Martin O'Hagan - it is the sixth anniversary of his murder today and we continue to campaign for action against his killers. Earlier this year, away from the glare of publicity, the union was able to secure entry to the Key Persons Protection Scheme for another member under serious threat.

Now all civil rights and media freedom organisations must make sure they do all they can to pressure the police and authorities to enable Robin to carry on his work as a journalist in safety. We often think of journalists safety only being an issue in countries like Colombia and the Phillipines. It is an issue much closer to home too..