14 Dec 2012 | Europe and Central Asia, Index Index, minipost
A pipe bomb was defused early this morning after it was planted outside of the home of Northern Ireland press photographer Mark Pearce. While no one has taken responsibility for the attack, Pearce believes he was targeted for his work, but does not remember a recent photograph that could have angered of one of the country’s banned paramilitary groups.
Northern Ireland has recently seen a rise in tensions after Belfast officials last week decided to fly the Union flag on certain days, rather than displaying it year round, sparking protests from loyalists.
17 May 2012 | Index Index, minipost, United Kingdom
A contempt of court charge brought against former NI Secretary Peter Hain regarding criticisms he made of a judge in Northern Ireland has been dropped. Hain had written to Attorney General John Larkin about the remarks, stressing he never intended to question Lord Justice Paul Girvan’s motivation in handling a judicial review. Larkin said the case against Mr Hain — who had faced a charge of “scandalising a judge” despite doubts from his lawyers over the existence of the offence — no longer needed to continue.
13 Apr 2012 | Index Index, minipost, United Kingdom
A man from County Antrim, Northern Ireland, was fined £250 for writing “Kill all Taigs” — a pejorative term for Catholics — and “Fuck The Pope” on social networking site Facebook on his 21st birthday last August. Dean Boyd admitted to police that he should not have posted the message — which he removed 20 minutes after doing so — but said it had only been intended for his friends and he had not intended to trigger hatred, the prosecution told Coleraine magistrates’ court. It is the first case of its kind in Northern Ireland involving sectarian abuse on a social networking site.
2 Apr 2012 | Academic Freedom, News
As a crucial legal battle comes to a head, Anthony McIntyre explores the contempt for academic research and protection of confidential sources behind the courtroom drama (more…)
