WATCH: Irish News editor condemns "appalling" dissident threat against journalist

by Q Radio News

An Irish News journalist has been threatened by dissident republicans. 

It is understood police visited the journalist in question and told them dissidents were plotting to attack them in their home. 

The incident has been condemned by the Editor of the newspaper Noel Doran. 

He told Q Radio, "We're appalled a threat has been made, reportedly from a paramilitary group, against a member of staff with our paper. 

"It would be dreadful to deal with a development like that at any time but in the middle of the virus crisis it is particularly disgraceful."

The Editor of the Irish News, Noel Doran, has appealed to dissident republicans to lift a threat made against one of the newspaper's journalists. The PSNI has visited the journalist to tell them dissidents are plotting to attack them in their home. pic.twitter.com/O9uLagh2uu

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 8, 2020

Mr Doran continued, "I am satisfied having spoken to a senior police officer that the PSNI are treating this with considerable seriousness. 

"I can say our staff will not be deterred from doing their job and I would appeal to the group responsible to withdraw the threat immediately."

Meanwhile, politicians and the NUJ have hit out at those responsible for the threat. 

Let the message be loud & clear - all #NUJ members condemn this threat to our colleague at @irish_news & this violent threat must be lifted immediately. #NUJ #Belfast https://t.co/faEqY7izee #media #NorthernIreland #journalism

— NUJ (@NUJofficial) April 8, 2020

Meanwhile, north Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly described it as a ‘reckless’ attempt to silence freedom of the press.

"I unreservedly condemn those responsible for issuing a threat against a journalist at the Irish News.

"This is another sinister attempt to intimidate journalists and silence the media which comes in the middle of a public health emergency.

"This follows a recent spate of despicable threats against journalists and elected representatives.

"Freedom of the press is a key cornerstone of any democratic society and the staff at this paper, like all workers, must be able to do their work free from intimidation or harassment.

"Those behind this threat have nothing to offer our society, particularly at a time when communities are coming together, they have once against set themselves against the people.

"Their pointless and reckless attempts to intimidate and silence journalists will not succeed.”