Shop owners fear violence after paramilitaries demand protection money
Summary
In Northern Ireland, business owners are under pressure to pay protection money to paramilitary groups, both loyalist and republican. These payments are made to avoid harm to their businesses and themselves. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has stated that such intimidation is not acceptable and those responsible will be held accountable.Key Facts
- Paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland demand money from businesses, known as protection money, to avoid damage or harm.
- A public awareness campaign called "Ending the Harm" was launched in 2024 to address the issue.
- Business owners, including those in restaurants and construction, have reported threats and intimidation.
- The practice continues more than 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
- Police in Northern Ireland claim they do not tolerate this extortion and will enforce the law.
- Justice Minister Naomi Long called the situation a "stranglehold on the community."
- Some business owners have reported no police action even after reporting intimidation.
- Paramilitary coercion includes both direct demands for money and indirect requests for contributions to community activities.
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