‘Sinister threats’ made by masked armed men to NI politicians condemned

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/sinister-threats-made-masked-armed-32981736

A group calling itself the New Republican Movement released a video online threatening MLAs and councillors

Representatives in the Newry, Mourne and Down area have condemned "sinister threats" made by a group of allegedly armed masked men in a video.

A group calling itself the New Republican Movement have issued a video online saying that political representatives in the area are "legitimate targets".

The video has been condemned by local MPs and MLAs, with police confirming that a criminal investigation has now been launched.

Sinn Fein MP Daire Hughes said: "The sinister threats issued by faceless thugs against elected members of Newry, Mourne and Down are an attack on democracy and on the mandate each of us as elected members receives from the public.

"Let me be crystal clear: these faceless individuals represent no one and they will not deter me or my party colleagues from carrying out our work, every day, representing our constituents.

"Despite bombs planted at our offices and chilling threats made through social media, Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for our people.

"I send solidarity to each of my elected colleagues across our constituencies. Let us stand as one against these deluded individuals."

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson MLA also condemned the threats saying: “The video circulating online depicting masked men threatening violence against democratically elected representatives is vile and reprehensible. Such threats have absolutely no place in our society and my solidarity is with every Councillor and MLA who has been targeted.

“This is not just an attack on politicians, but on the people they serve and the democratic process itself. These faceless thugs do not speak for our community, and they will not succeed in dragging us backwards.

“Alliance will not be deterred from serving the people who elected us. The people of Newry, Mourne and Down reject violence and coercion, and our local team will continue to build a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone who calls the district home."

Speaking about the video, District Commander Superintendent Lynne Corbett said: “It is completely unacceptable that anyone should face such threats and intimidation for carrying out the duties of the office to which they have been democratically elected. We have commenced an investigation to identify those responsible.