Journalist Lyra McKee shot dead in Derry in April 2019 by New IRA terrorists
Derry-born Archbishop Martin made the comments in a video welcoming Pope Francis’ message for World Communications Day.
He said Pope Francis had acknowledged “the courage and commitment of journalists and other media professionals who often risk their lives helping us to learn the reality of life around the world today”.
“They beam onto our mobile devices and into our living rooms the hardships facing countless people around the world, like persecution, oppression, poverty, war and injustice,” the Catholic Primate said.
“In recent times, they have helped us to see first-hand the way that the Covid-19 pandemic has been impacting people not just here at home but also in the poverty-stricken villages of Asia, Latin America and Africa.”
The Archbishop also remembered the two Spanish journalists who were killed last month in Burkina Faso along with Irish conservationist Rory Young while filming a documentary on animal poaching.
And he warned of the risk of misinformation and fake news, adding: “All the more reason, then, for people like us to be responsible and authentic online and to be witnesses of the truth.”
Lyra McKeen was shot dead by the New IRA on Thursday, April 18, 2019 while observing rioting in Derry’s Creggan estate.
Sunday World reporter Martin O’Hagan was shot dead on September 28, 2001 by loyalist gunmen as he walked home with his wife from a night out in Lurgan.
No one has ever been convicted of Mr O’Hagan’s murder
Sunday Independent investigative report Veronica Guerin was shot dead by a gunman on a motorbike on June 26, 1996 on the outskirts of Dublin.
Brian Meehan was later convicted of his murder and serving life in prison.
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