Fifth anniversary of the death of journalist Lyra McKee marked by the NUJ
"Her killing deprived us of a brave and challenging voice" says NUJ Irish secretary
The NUJ is among those remembering Lyra McKee today on the fifth anniversary of her death.
The 29-year-old freelance journalist was shot dead while observing a riot in Northern Ireland in 2019.
Seamus Dooley, NUJ Irish secretary, said: “The thoughts of all NUJ members are with the partner, family and many friends and colleagues of Lyra McKee. On the anniversary of her death we are again reminded of the cruel circumstances of her killing and the great loss suffered by those whom she loved.
“We are also reminded of the loss to journalism. Her killing deprived us of a brave and challenging voice. Lyra never lost hope and never gave up on those on the margins who were so often ignored by those in positions of power and authority.
“We owe it to Lyra to stand up for journalism, to defend the right of journalists to seek answers, to pose the awkward questions and to tell the stories of those who struggle.
“The fact that there has been no conviction for her killing adds to the grief and sadness felt my those who knew and admired Lyra but above all to her partner, her family and her closer friends.”
Dooley added: “The exploitation of young men by those who offer no hope to the younger generation continues, as witnessed by recent incidents in Derry during attacks on journalists.”
At the beginning of this month there was intimidation of reporters and photographers covering the anniversary of the 1916 Rising on the streets of Derry, with a number of petrol bombs thrown towards journalists gathered to report on a parade in the Creggan area and a media crew chased from the area by a group wearing balaclavas.