Report: Occupational Hazard? Threats and violence against journalists in Northern Ireland

This report is based on 26 interviews, including 22 with journalists. It outlines Northern Ireland’s history, the role of journalism and international human rights obligations, and the key findings from the interviews.

Threats made against journalists are having a chilling effect on the right to freedom of expression and other human rights in Northern Ireland.

Since 2019 we have documented over 70 death threats, bomb threats and acts of violence towards journalists in Northern Ireland. Most threats came from armed paramilitary gangs.

Not one has been prosecuted to date.

Our research highlights that these threats remain a serious concern with inadequate responses from authorities – and create an environment where journalists operate under constant threat and press freedom is undermined.