Dublin Journalists Threatened By Criminal Gangs
A number of Dublin-based newspaper reporters have been told by Gardai that their safety is at risk from organised criminals.
A statement from Independent News and Media says the threats are understood to have emanated from criminal gangs. The threats are being made public in order to highlight the danger posed to the media.
Editor-in-Chief Stephen Rae said "It is disturbing that threats of this nature have emerged as we approach the twentieth anniversary of the death of our colleague Veronica Guerin, who was murdered by criminals for exposing their activities."
"Our media group will not be deterred from serving the public interest and highlighting the threat to society at large posed by such criminals", he added.
INM is working with Gardai to strengthen security around these journalists and says it is taking every precaution to ensure their safety.
Seamus Dooley of the National Union of Journalists says the threats are worrying, but reporters won't be intimidated "This threat in the context of recent developments is especially worrying".
"We would be reminding all journalists, particularly freelance journalists who work alone, to mind themselves. Journalists have faced threats before and we will not be intimidated by these tactics", he said.