Belfast-Based Journalist Threatened By UDA

A UDA threat to a Belfast-based journalist "should be lifted immediately", Sinn Féin Policing Spokesperson Gerry Kelly MLA has said.

The National Union of Journalist (NUJ) has reported that a threat has been made against the journalist, who wishes to remain anonymous, by a "section of the UDA" for their reporting on criminal activity connected to the group.

Condemning the threat, Gerry Kelly also said that political unionism has a responsibility to stand up to the paramilitary gang's continued criminality.

Mr Kelly said: "The UDA threat against this journalist should be lifted immediately.

"This latest threat demonstrates once again the UDA's contempt for democracy, the peace process, law and order and to those exposing their brutal criminality.

"This threat must be challenged head-on by all political leaders as there is no place in this society for the UDA or any other paramilitary group.

"There is an onus on political unionism and on the DUP in particular to show leadership by rejecting the continued existence of the UDA and ending its cosy electoral relationship with a gang still engaged in murder, extortion, drug dealing and intimidation."

(MH/LM)