Death Threats Made Against Journalists Condemned

Death threats made against a number of journalists have been condemned as a "sinister" and "very disturbing" development.

The leaders of Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil and Labour have issued statements condemning the threats made against Independent News and Media journalists.

Labour Party leader and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, said: "The news today that gangland figures have issued death threats against Independent News and Media journalists is a very disturbing development, and is an unwelcome reminder of the callous murder of Veronica Guerin 20 years ago.

"I would like to offer my support to the journalists who have been subject to these alarming threats. I have no doubt that this must very distressing for themselves and their families.

"A free press is the cornerstone of a democracy, and any threat to an individual journalist is a threat to us all.

"Myself and my cabinet colleagues are determined to ensure that An Garda Siochana have whatever resources they require to tackle these vile threats."

Leader of Sinn Féin, Gerry Adams, added: "There can be no place in society for threats to any journalists. It is clear that the thugs and gangsters behind the recent shootings in Dublin believe that they can act with impunity. There is no place for them in our communities and An Garda Síochána must be fully supported and resources freed up to bring these gangsters to justice."

And Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin added: "This is a very sinister development and will evoke memories of the very worst days of gangland violence and the murder of Veronica Guerin twenty years ago.

"It will add to the sense of vulnerability and chaos that many communities now feel and further confirms the total contempt that these thugs have for our society and the freedoms that we hold dear.

"We must face this violence with resolute action and we must face these threats to journalists with more public scrutiny.

"I know that these individual journalists and their colleagues will be feeling worried. But I also want them to know that they do not stand alone and that all right thinking decent people in this country stand with them."

(MH/LM)